Clinical pharmacists in the specialty area of oncology and haematology can improve the continuum of care when their patients are transferred to other units. By providing an accurate handover about specific therapies, there is an overall improvement in the prescribing and timely administration of these therapies.

No abstract

Background: Manufacturers of phenytoin injection recommend that it be given without dilution by direct IV injection. Direct IV injection presents well-recognised side effects which can be minimised by giving phenytoin as an infusion. Aim: To assess the stability of Phenytoin Injection (DBL) in sodium chloride 0.9% prepared for infusion in Viaflex bags and a Buretrol extension set. Method: Admixtures containing 3, 6 and 10 mg/mL of phenytoin were prepared in sodium chloride 0.9% and stored in Viaflex bags, extension sets and beakers exposed to air (controls) for 6 hours. The concentration of phenytoin in the Viaflex bags was measured by UV absorption spectrophotometry. All the admixtures were inspected for microscopic particulate matter and the pH measured at intervals over 6 hours. Results: In the Viaflex bags there were no changes in the phenytoin concentration, minimal change in pH(< 0.1) and no particulate matter over 6 hours. In the extension sets and beakers, particulate matter was minimal at 2 hours and extensive beyond this time. There was an overall decrease of 0.30 and 0.32 pH units in samples from the extension sets and beakers. Conclusion: Phenytoin Injection (DBL) can be given as an IV infusion in sodium chloride 0.9% provided it is prepared in a Viaflex bag and infused within 2 hours of preparation.

No abstract

independently to an electronic questionnaire and were individually interviewed. Responses allowed to estimate the number of PLHIV on each regimen. The prevalence of diagnosed PLHIV in 2018 and 2019 was based on previous projections from official national data. RESULTS: In 2018, it is estimated that 35,491 PLHIV are on treatment, of which 43% on first line, 36% on second line and 21% on subsequent lines. Amongst those on first line, 45% are on integrase strand transfer inhibitors (ITI), 27% on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) and 28% on protease inhibitors (PI) as third agents. Amongst those on second line, the respective proportions are 47%, 9% and 39%, being 5% on nucleosides sparing regimens. In 2019, it is estimated that 35,899 PLHIV will be treated, of which 32%, 39% and 28% on first, second and subsequent lines. The distribution by third agent remains almost unchanged. In both years, the two most used agents on both lines of therapy are darunavir and dolutegravir; in 2019 the newly introduced single tablet regimen darunavir/cobicistate/tenofovir alafenamida/emtricitabine will represent 10% of darunavir utilisation. Switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine to tenofovir alafenamida/emtricitabine is the main reason for backbone change. CONCLUSIONS: Portuguese official sources do not include treatment algorithms or updated distribution by regimen. The analysis developed allowed to fulfill those gaps and estimate the most used regimens by therapeutic line. The estimates are in line with the most recent treatment guidelines.