Evaluation of Off-label Use of Oral Glucocorticoids in Outpatients.
- Author:
Yan TANG
1
;
Nan SHANG
1
;
Xiao-li DU
1
;
Yu-xuan ZHANG
1
;
De-zhi WANG
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Administration, Oral; China; Epilepsy; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Off-Label Use; Outpatients
- From: Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2015;37(4):430-434
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo investigate the off-label use of oral glucocorticoids in outpatients.
METHODSThe information of outpatient glucocorticoids prescriptions from January 1st to June 30th in 2012 were collected from the information system in our hospital, then the software of Excel was employed to statistically analyze the data including the amount of drugs used in different departments,as well as the age, sex, and diagnosis of the patients. The diagnoses were compared with those included in the labels approved by China Food and Drug Administration and US Food and Drug Administration and domestic and foreign guidelines.
RESULTSIt was found that 16.53% of the cases were off-label use,and dexamethasone had the highest proportion (60.50%) of off-label use. Most of the off-label use had evidence support, such as multiple myeloma and myasthenia gravis, while some cases did not, such as epilepsy and sudden deafness.
CONCLUSIONThe management of off-label use should be further strengthened to promote the safe and rational use of glucocorticoids.
