Enhancing access to expensive oncology medications in Pakistan: The critical role of pharmaceutical patient assistance programs in oncology care.

This article aims to explore the access of patient assistance program (PAPs) and the role of pharmacists in improving access to oncology care in Pakistan. PAPs aim to reduce the financial burden of cancer in Pakistan, with pharmaceutical companies providing medication at reduced costs, ranging from 33% to 90%. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in managing these programs, facilitating PAP, pharmacist, oncology care setting, cancer therapy more accessible to those who faced financial barriers to accessing them.

Comparative study of oral and IV dexamethasone premedication in the prevention of docetaxel induced allergic reactions.

BACKGROUND: The hypersensitivity reactions after docetaxel administration is a main concern in this study. The aim of this study is to check the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) after receiving a single dose of intravenous dexamethasone before docetaxel administration. METHOD: In this retrospective study, 1 year data from Jan 1st 2018 to Dec 31st 2018 was retrieved from hospital information system (HIS). We examined 210 patients who visited hospital during the last 12 months during their cancer treatment and took dexamethasone orally 3 days prior to docetaxel administration or 20 mg intravenously before 15 minutes of docetaxel. RESULTS: Out of 210 patients, only 50 patients were taking IV dexamethasone injection prior to docetaxel constitutes only 23.5% while patients who were taking oral dexamethasone were found to be 160 which constitutes 75%. There was no hypersensitivity reaction with oral and IV dexamethasone before docetaxel administration. Majority of the patients were without taking oral dexamethasone before docetaxel administration which not only saved time but also improve patient compliance. CONCLUSION: No hypersensitivity reaction had been found either in oral or intravenous dexamethasone prior to docetaxel administration by using patient data from Hospital Information System (HIS). However, intravenous dexamethasone not only improve patient compliance but also reduce the risk of hypersensitivity reactions but the cost of intravenous dexamethasone is higher than the cost of oral dexamethasone. In conclusion, single dose of intravenous IV dexamethasone is preferred treatment option.