Evaluation of potential drug-drug interactions in hematology inpatient clinic

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of potential drug-drug interactions among patients in hematology inpatient clinic and what role the clinical pharmacist plays in managing them. Material and method: Our study was conducted prospectively in the Hematology Inpatient Clinic at İnönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center between March 1 and September 30, 2020. Patients who were hospitalized in hematology inpatient clinic, used at least two medications and agreed to participate were included in the study. Patients' medication were evaluated and potential drug-drug interactions were analyzed with Lexicomp©, Micromedex© and Medscape© drug information systems. Physicians and nurses were given oral or written advise from the clinical pharmacist on how to manage potential drug-drug interactions. Results: A total of 155 patients (99 males, 56 females) were included in the study, and at least one potential drug-drug interaction was detected in 149 (96.1%) of them. The median value of patients' age was 60 and the IQR was 44-72. A total of 1985 potential drug-drug interactions belonging to 642 drug pairs were detected in all patients. Patients with at least one possible drug-drug interaction were shown to have a higher quantity of medications and a longer length of hospitalization than those who did not have any drug interaction (p<0.001). However, no significant difference was found in the age and gender of the two groups (p>0.05). In order to manage potential drug-drug interactions, 88 interventions were made by the clinical pharmacist, and 82 (93.2%) of them were accepted. Conclusion: It has been observed that the frequency of potential drug-drug interactions detected by drug information systems in hematology inpatient clinic patients is quite high. The clinical pharmacist plays an important role in management of potential drug-drug interactions and his participation in the health-care team is considered to contribute to the treatment's effectiveness. Key words: Drug-drug interaction, hematology, clinical pharmacy