Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6233

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Wong IC, Basra N, Yeung VW, Cope J.
Supply problems of unlicensed and off-label medicines after discharge.
Arch Dis Child 2006 Aug 01; 91:(8):686-8
http://adc.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/91/8/686

Abstract:

A total of 709 unlicensed and off-label medicines were prescribed for 338 patients discharged from a paediatric hospital between 1 November 2003 and 31 January 2004. Thirty three per cent of patients had difficulty obtaining these medications in primary care which caused treatment disruption. The main problems were: (1) community pharmacies being unable to supply; and (2) GPs’ refusal to prescribe.

Keywords:
Adolescent Child Child, Preschool Community Pharmacy Services/utilization Drug Labeling Family Practice/statistics & numerical data Humans Infant Infant, Newborn London Pharmaceutical Preparations/supply & distribution* Physician's Practice Patterns Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't