Drug Interactions and potentially inappropriate medications at an oncology ward Objectives: this study aimed to quantify the prevalence of clinically significant interactions and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use through involving a pharmacist among the cancer patients at an oncology ward and an oncology day- unit. Materials and Methods: Prospective study in patients taking more than 5 drugs who had been admitted to Harzklinikum, Wernigerode, Germany between August 2016 and February 2017. The pharmacist conducts a complete comprehensive medication review including over-the-counter drugs and herbal medications. Besides, she took into consideration the intake of grapefruit juice. This information together with the information in the patient's medical history permits identifying critical drug-drug interactions using the mediQ interaction analysis program as well as PIMs using the Beers, Forta, Priscus and STOPP lists. Results: One hundred and eighty-five cancer patients (mean age ± SD = 70 ± 11 years) were included in the study. The interaction analysis program identified 177 potentially interactions. These interactions were evaluated by the pharmacist and 34 interactions for 31 patients (17 %) were considered clinically significant or critical. After the pharmacist interventions, these interactions were resolved in 51 percent. 123 patients aged over 65 years old were enrolled in the study for PIM. By using the four lists (Beers, Forta, Priscus, STOPP) 52 PIMs at 41 elderly persons (33%) were identifies. 11 recommendations in 10 elderly patients (8 %) were made by the pharmacist and result in 55 % of the cases in a prescription change. Conclusion: the use of an interaction analysis program and the lists of inappropriate medications allowed the pharmacist to identify clinically relevant interactions and PIMs and result in prescription change in agreement with the oncologist.

Drug Interactions and potentially inappropriate medications at an oncology ward Objectives: this study aimed to quantify the prevalence of clinically significant interactions and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use through involving a pharmacist among the cancer patients at an oncology ward and an oncology day- unit. Materials and Methods: Prospective study in patients taking more than 5 drugs who had been admitted to Harzklinikum, Wernigerode, Germany between August 2016 and February 2017. The pharmacist conducts a complete comprehensive medication review including over-the-counter drugs and herbal medications. Besides, she took into consideration the intake of grapefruit juice. This information together with the information in the patient's medical history permits identifying critical drug-drug interactions using the mediQ interaction analysis program as well as PIMs using the Beers, Forta, Priscus and STOPP lists. Results: One hundred and eighty-five cancer patients (mean age ± SD = 70 ± 11 years) were included in the study. The interaction analysis program identified 177 potentially interactions. These interactions were evaluated by the pharmacist and 34 interactions for 31 patients (17 %) were considered clinically significant or critical. After the pharmacist interventions, these interactions were resolved in 51 percent. 123 patients aged over 65 years old were enrolled in the study for PIM. By using the four lists (Beers, Forta, Priscus, STOPP) 52 PIMs at 41 elderly persons (33%) were identifies. 11 recommendations in 10 elderly patients (8 %) were made by the pharmacist and result in 55 % of the cases in a prescription change. Conclusion: the use of an interaction analysis program and the lists of inappropriate medications allowed the pharmacist to identify clinically relevant interactions and PIMs and result in prescription change in agreement with the oncologist.