Frequency of adverse drug reactions in cancer patients: A study at the oncology department of a university hospital

Objectives We aimed to investigate the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) observed in cancer patients, the drugs causing ADRs, ADRs reporting rate, common adverse effects, drug interactions, and the drugs used to manage these adverse effects. Methods A questionnaire about pharmacovigilance, the most common ADRs and side effects observed in oncology patients, the frequency of these ADRs, the drugs causing them, and drug interactions was administered to the volunteers in our study. Results Although 66 out of the 90 nurses who participated in the study reported having previously encountered an ADR, only 39 of them actually reported it. ADRs were most frequently seen once a year or more and 56% of the ADRs were life-threatening, 21% medically important and 23% resulted in hospitalization. The pharmacological groups with the most ADR reports were; Taxanes, Platinum compounds, Monoclonal antibody (Mabs), Antimetabolites, Alkylating agents, Topoisomerase inhibitors and alkaloids respectively. ADRs were specifically related to Paclitaxel, Cisplatin and Rituximab. The most common adverse effects included; redness, itching, dyspnea and tachycardia. Antihistamines and corticosteroids were most commonly used in treatment of ADRs. The drugs that interacted most with antineoplastics were antibiotics, anticonvulsants and antihypertensives. Conclusion Although the incidence of ADRs in cancer patients is high, the reporting rate is relatively low. ADRs associated with antineoplastic drugs are serious reactions. Identifying which drugs cause the most ADRs is crucial for prevention, monitoring, and treatment.