Pharmacist-Led Intervention Eases Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Nearly 90% of patients with refractory chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) had reduced nausea and vomiting after participating in a pharmacist-led CINV management program, according to study findings published online ahead of print in the Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice. 

“Enrollment resulted in a measurable reduction in nausea and/or vomiting for patients with refractory CINV,” researchers wrote. 

Adult outpatients with refractory CINV, which can be difficult to control, had access to the pharmacist-led CINV management program at the University of Wisconsin. Pharmacists assessed patients, provided patient education, and started, discontinued, or adjusted antiemetic medication as necessary. 

Among 46 patients enrolled in the CINV management program between February 2019 and January 2020, 41 had an overall reduction in nausea and vomiting, according to the study. Adherence to prescribed antiemetics improved significantly, from 23.9% at baseline to 100% at unenrollment.

The most common pharmacist intervention was adding a new breakthrough antiemetic, researchers reported. Dose escalation of a previously prescribed antiemetic was the least common intervention. In all, the program led to a total 111 pharmacist interventions, or approximately 2.5 interventions per patient. 

Patients were enrolled in the pharmacist-led service 16.6 days, on average, and met with a pharmacist 3 times. 

“Implementation of this program standardized and streamlined pharmacist involvement with refractory CINV,” researchers wrote. 

Reference:

Quinn CS, Bergsbaken JJ, Blessinger EJ, Piccolo JK. Implementation of a clinical pharmacist-led service to optimize management of refractory chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in adult hematology/oncology clinic [published online ahead of print, 2021 Jul 5]. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2021;10781552211029702. doi:10.1177/10781552211029702