Patient access to compounded drugs in paediatrics after discharge from a tertiary centre

Abstract

Objective: To describe the problems faced by young patients and their parents when obtaining and using compounded drugs. Methods: This prospective observational descriptive study included patients 0 to 21 years of age who were discharged from a mother-child tertiary hospital with a prescription containing at least one compounded drug between February 2016 and July 2016. Families were called 7 to 10 business days after discharge to complete a telephone follow-up questionnaire. Retail pharmacies were contacted to obtain additional information in order to compare the dispensed compounded drug with the prescription and published master formulas. Results: The parents of 71 patients with a median age of 6.9 months were surveyed regarding 99 compounded drugs corresponding to 34 different oral formulations. Out of 314 issues identified, 252 were considered as problems: 9 involved major and 243 minor problems with real or potential consequences. Conclusion: This study identified a significant number of compounding-related problems. It suggests that current practice standards are insufficient and action should be taken to improve the use and the dispensation of compounded drugs to ensure patients' safety.