Journal of oncology pharmacy practice : official publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Apr 2018
Observational StudyStability of sodium bicarbonate injection 8.4% in syringes over a six-week period in refrigerated temperature.
Background Dysfunctional central venous catheter prohibits the administration of potential life-saving chemotherapy and the delivery of essential supportive care needs to patients. Sodium bicarbonate injection has been shown to impede against fibrin clot formation and prolong prothrombin time and thrombin clotting time. Sodium bicarbonate injection has been tried as a second-line agent with good results in a small number of patients (internal data not published) when alteplase failed. ⋯ The 14-day incubation period resulted in no microbial growth. Conclusion Our study results have indicated that the pH and sodium bicarbonate injection concentration values were stable and within range, comparable to those reported by the manufacturer within the study period. The contents of the subdivided sodium bicarbonate injection 5 mL syringes retained sterility over a 14-day incubation period.
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J Oncol Pharm Pract · Apr 2018
Comparative StudyRecurrence of malignancy-associated venous thromboembolism among patients treated with rivaroxaban compared to enoxaparin.
Purpose Although low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) remains the standard of care, factor Xa inhibitors such as rivaroxaban may serve as an alternative treatment for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with active malignancy. The purpose of the analysis was to evaluate outcomes of VTE management in cancer patients treated with rivaroxaban compared to enoxaparin. Methods This single-center retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with malignancy-associated VTE initiated on treatment with either rivaroxaban or enoxaparin. ⋯ There were no statistically significant differences in the secondary outcomes with the exception of longer mean duration of treatment in the rivaroxaban group compared to the enoxaparin group (169 vs. 110 days, respectively; p = 0.04). Conclusions This study provides important preliminary information regarding the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban for treatment of VTE in cancer patients. Although LMWH should remain the standard of care, these results provide initial reassurance that rivaroxaban serves as a viable alternative in the event that injectable anticoagulation is not an acceptable approach to VTE management.