Assessment of IVIG use in Baqiyatallah Hospital and Efficacy of Standard Protocol

IVIG is a biological product used as an anti-inflammatory and immune regulator agent. The use of IVIG is rising in the world. The imposed drug sanctions have caused the import of this vital drug to be greatly reduced. Therefore, the preparation of a standard protocol that can lead to the improvement of the pattern of use can optimize its use in economic conditions and the existing drug shortage. This cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted in Baqiyatallah Alazam hospital. All patients who received IVIG in hospital wards were included and data were gathered according to the designed form. Finally, all data in similar months of 2019 and 2020 year were compared. 38 patients with a mean age of 42 years old were enrolled in this study. CIDP and ITP were the most causes of IVIG prescription. The total amount of IVIG in 2020 was fallen more than 37% in comparison with 2019 that saved about 1.3 billion Rials. The rate of drug use in third-level indications which is our main goal in reducing irrational IVIG consumption decreased 98.54%. IVIG shortage and the costs associated with taking this drug indicate the importance and value of DUE studies. Designing and conducting DUE studies is not possible without the presence of hospital pharmacists and pharmacotherapists. Pharmacists can prevent possible mistakes by conducting these studies so that the studies can be done in the best possible way.