[Ticlopidine use in Spain: a pharmacy-based drug utilization study].
BACKGROUND
In 1997 a program was set up to improve the use of ticlopidine. In the present study we assess whether this objective was achieved.


METHODS
We carried out a pharmacy-based cross-sectional study.


RESULTS
Out of 346 patients interviewed, 56% presented an off-label indication for ticlopidine. In 23% of patients the daily dose used was lower or higher than the recommended. Only 28% patients had the fortnightly blood monitoring performed at the time of interview.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of ticlopidine in Spain is not consistent with the summary of product characteristics and the program set up to improve it did not achieve a satisfactory result.
del Pino
A M
AM
División de Farmacoepidemiología y Farmacovigilancia, Agencia Española del Medicamento, Madrid.
de Abajo
F J
FJ
Montero
D
D
Madurga
M
M
Martín-Serrano
G
G
D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010594:Pharmacies; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D013030:Spain; D013988:Ticlopidine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D013988:Ticlopidine