Cost avoidance from dose rounding biologic and cytotoxic antineoplastics

• Published in: Journal of oncology pharmacy practice 2017-07, Vol.23 (5), p.379-383
• Main Authors: Vandyke, Thomas H, Athmann, Paul W, Ballmer, Corey M, Kintzel, Polly E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antineoplastic Agents - administration & dosage; Antineoplastic Agents - economics; Antineoplastic drugs; Antitumor agents; Avoidance; Biological Products - administration & dosage; Biological Products - economics; Body size; Body Surface Area; Body Weight; Busulfan; Cancer; Cost analysis; Cost Savings - statistics & numerical data; Cytotoxic agents; Cytotoxicity; Data collection; Drug Costs - statistics & numerical data; Drug dosages; Humans; Pharmacists; Pharmacy Service, Hospital - methods; Studies
• ISSN: 1078-1552; 1477-092X
• DOI: 10.1177/1078155216639756

Background To reduce product wastage, our institution allows automatic dose rounding of biologic and cytotoxic anticancer agents. The purpose of this project was to determine the actual annual cost avoidance due to pharmacist-managed automatic dose rounding of anticancer treatments. Methods Financial impact was assessed within the context of our departmental standard work which supports automatic dose rounding of biologic anticancer agents (±10%) and cytotoxic anticancer agents (±5%) to the nearest vial size for body surface area- or weight-based doses. Exclusions to automatic dose rounding include multiple dose vial products, pediatric orders, clinical trial drugs, and parenteral busulfan. The amount of cost avoidance for each rounded dose was determined using the product acquisition cost of the smallest available product amount. Data were collected from anticancer treatment orders for the fiscal year 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014. Results A total of 6216 doses of anticancer drugs were checked for dose rounding during the period of data collection. Almost $200,000 in product acquisition cost was avoided with pharmacist-managed automatic dose rounding. Six different biologic products accounted for approximately 7% of the total doses analyzed and 78% of the cost avoidance. Fifteen drugs comprised the array of cytotoxic agents rounded. Approximately, 37% and 4% of the biologic and cytotoxic doses were rounded up to the vial size. Conclusion Routine dose rounding of biologic anticancer agents (±10%) and cytotoxic products (±5%) achieved cost avoidance through reduction of drug wastage at our institution.