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Off-label prescribing for children with chronic diseases in Nigeria; findings and implications

Kazeem Adeola Oshikoya1, Ibrahim Adekunle Oreagba2, Brian Godman3,4,5

  • 1a Pharmacology Department , Lagos State University College of Medicine , Lagos , Nigeria.

Expert Opinion on Drug Safety
|June 20, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Off-label prescribing for pediatric epilepsy, asthma, and sickle cell anemia in Nigeria was studied. The overall rate of off-label prescriptions was found to be low, primarily related to dosage adjustments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Drug Utilization Studies
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Off-label medication use in children with chronic conditions is under-documented, particularly in developing nations.
  • This study addresses the need for data on pediatric prescribing practices in Nigeria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and patterns of off-label prescribing in Nigerian children with epilepsy, asthma, and sickle cell anemia.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of prescriptions for children aged 16 years and younger.
  • Data collected from pediatric clinics in Lagos, Nigeria, between January and October 2015.
  • Utilized British National Formulary for children and American Hospital Formulary Service Drug information as references.

Main Results:

  • Out of 1746 prescriptions for 477 patients, 7.7% were off-label, predominantly due to dosage (68.9%).
  • Nervous system and anti-infective agents were most prescribed; off-label use was 9.5% and 8.2% respectively.
  • Children with epilepsy accounted for the majority of off-label prescriptions (69.6%).

Conclusions:

  • Off-label prescribing does occur in Nigerian children with epilepsy, asthma, and sickle cell anemia.
  • The overall rate of off-label prescribing in this population appears to be low.
Abstract

Keywords:
AsthmaNigeriachildrenepilepsyoff-labelprescribingsickle cell anaemia

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