Publication:

Pattern of adverse drug reactions with chemotherapeutic drugs in a tertiary care hospital of North India: a retrospective study

Background Adverse drug reactions are important causes of mortality and morbidity in the patients. Early detection, evaluation and monitoring of ADRs is essential to improve public health.

Methods This was an observational, non-interventional and retrospective study conducted at the ADR monitoring centre of a tertiary care hospital of North India. Suspected ADR forms reported over a period of 4 years involving at least one chemotherapeutic drug with at least one dose were analyzed.

Results A total of 261 chemotherapeutic drugs associated ADRs were analyzed. Out of these, maximum numbers of ADRs were reported by males (54%). Maximum reporting was done by Skin and VD department (37.93%). Causality assessment was probable in maximum number of cases (54%). Most common ADRs were skin rashes (21.46%), followed by jaundice, urticaria and fixed drug eruptions. Maximum ADRs were suspected to be caused by Anti tubercular drugs (31.42%) followed by anticancer drugs (14.56%).

Conclusions ADRs due to antibiotics and anticancer drugs is a significant health problem.