Drug Compounding in Pharmaceutical Care of Oncopediatric Patients

Abstract

Introduction: The pharmacological treatment of the oncopediatric patient represents a difficulty for the health care team, since many drugs registered by the health administration are not indicated in the pediatric population, creating a therapeutic gap in the treatment that is covered through the drug compounding (DC). The aim of this study is to analyze the preparation of individualized drugs for oncopediatrics in the last three years in the Pharmacy Service of a tertiary hospital.

Methods: It was carried out a descriptive, observational and retrospective study of the DCs that were prepared for the Oncopediatric Service in the period 2019-2021. For each DC, its indication and clinical application were detailed. In the quantitative description, the number of DC elaborated and percentage were specified. In the qualitative description, active ingredient and concentration, procedure to prepare the formulation, dose of active ingredient, excipients, storage conditions and expiration date were detailed.

Results: During the study period, 3730 DC were prepared for the Oncopediatric Service. It is important to note that the 4 formulations with the greatest weight in the preparation were those of the active ingredients: etoposide, fenofibrate, ondansetron and mercaptopurine. Oral solutions and suspensions accounted for 57.4% and 26.5% of the DC. The clinical application of 71% of the DC prepared was the treatment of onco-hematological pathologies.

Conclusions: In the oncopediatric patient, the need for a more individualized pharmacotherapy is accentuated to ensure a correct dosage and adherence to treatment, being the DC the tool that would solve its therapeutic needs.