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A clinical audit of high-cost and off-label drug use in dermatology
- Source :
- The Australasian journal of dermatology. 58(1)
- Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- The use of high-cost, off-label, unsubsidised drugs has become valuable in the management of dermatology patients with challenging conditions unresponsive to conventional therapy. Currently, there is no dedicated funding and a paucity of evidence for such drugs. The aim of this audit was to review outcomes and costs.A retrospective clinical audit of high-cost off-label dermatology drug applications to the High Cost Drug's Subcommittee was undertaken at a tertiary public hospital in Brisbane, Queensland, between 2002 and 2013.Of 28 applications, 25 were approved. The medications included thalidomide, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporin, infliximab, rituximab and adalimumab. Over 70% of patients responded to treatment. Individual annual costs for these medications ranged from $2068 to $36 984. Adverse effects resulted in drug withdrawal in five cases.Despite the absence of dedicated funding for high-cost drugs and a rigorous committee approval process, most applications were approved, of which70% benefited from treatment. This audit provides useful clinical experience with off-label use of high-cost drugs in difficult dermatological conditions.
Details
- ISSN :
- 14400960
- Volume :
- 58
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- The Australasian journal of dermatology
- Accession number :
- edsair.pmid..........b08f2f7e57ba33e45f443afb33bc539e