Patterns of Parecoxib Use in Mahasarakham Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Parecoxib is registered for post-operation pain therapy indication. When compared with opioids, it is non-inferiority effective with faster onset and less adverse effects. However, parecoxib is non-essential drug and expensive; hospitals should review utilization of this medicine. Materials and Method: A retrospective review of medical chart records was conducted in patients receiving Parecoxib in April, 2012 in Mahasarakham hospital. The accordance with EBM was evaluated in terms of indication, contraindication, dose and duration. Medical expenditure saving was estimated in case that the use of Parecoxib with non-accordance with EBM would be replaced by Diclofenac. Descriptive statistics was applied for data analysis. Results: Of total 185 patients receiving Parecoxib, Proportion of Parecoxib use in accordance with EBM in terms of indication, contraindication, dose, duration and overall was 78.3%, 90.8%, 87.6%, 87.6% and 55.1%, respectively. In a month, utilization and expenditure of Parecoxib was 725 vials and 195,750.00 baht, where 298 vials or 80,460.00  baht was the use with in accordance with EBM. If the use with in accordance with EBM would be replaced by Diclofenac, medical expenditure could be saved by 78,708 baht/month or 944,496 baht/year. Conclusion:The findings of this study indicate that most of Parecoxib use are accordance with EBM. However, the hospital should promote guidance for Parecoxib use for increasing quality use of medicine and reducing medical expenditure.