Medications used in pediatric cystic fibrosis population

OBJECTIVE: To describe the drug utilization profile used by pediatric cystic fibrosis patients. METHODS: A transversal study comprising the analysis of records and interviews with caregivers of pediatric patient in a reference center of Southern Brazil. We collected information about patients’ clinical condition, medication used and household therapy. RESULTS: Out of 78 patients participating in the study, prevailing characteristics were: female, self-declared white color, mutation F508del and countryside resident. Forty-three patients had health monitoring exclusively in the hospital’s outpatient division. We analyzed 509 prescribed medication (6.5 medication/patient). The caregiver acknowledged the correct indication in 83% of cases. Patients with pulmonary complications and diseases and/or comorbities related to the cystic fibrosis had an increased quantity of prescribed medication. Vitamins, pancreatic enzymes, hypertonic saline solution, dornase alpha, acid ursodesoxicolic and inhalation antibiotics were most commonly prescribed. Out of the sum of medication, 265 (52.1%) were registered in the Relação Nacional de Medicamentos Essenciais , 26.7% were registered in the basic component and 25.4% were registered in the specialized component of pharmaceutical assistance. Seventy-four interviewees informed difficulty in the acquisition of at least one prescribed medication. Most of the reports acknowledge the State Health Department as the place to find and receive medication for cystic fibrosis. CONCLUSION: This study allowed reaching a deeper understanding about therapy, caring needed with patients with cystic fibrosis, highlighting to implement strategies that might contribute to enhance life quality and to execute the patients’ therapy plan.