Vol. 1 No. 11 (2014): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy


Download PDF
Published: October 2014

In this issue:

  • Cost-effectiveness analysis of a behavioral risk factor reduction program at a worksite: Experience from a public university in Malaysia
  • Formulation and Stability of Extemporaneously Prepared Morphine Oral Suspension

Supplement

  • Proceedings of the 25th FAPA Congress 2014

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a Behavioral Risk Factor Reduction Program at a Worksite: Experience From a Public University in Malaysia

    Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

    Abstract

    Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the cost of a behavioral risk factor reduction program at the worksite and to compare the cost-effectiveness of the program with a control group. Methodology: This was a quasi-experimental study conducted among employees of Universiti Sains Malaysia. The program targeted five primary risk factors (RF). Participants in the intervention program were subjected to schedule individualized counseling and seminars during the 6- month follow-up. Participants in the control group underwent health screening. Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from the payer’s perspective to determine the cost of 1% increase in proportion of participants who reach ideal targets for the RF. One-way sensitivity analysis was also conducted. Results: A total 136 participants were recruited in this study. At 6-month follow-up, significantly higher proportion of participants in the intervention group reached target for fruit and vegetable intake (P < 0.001) and physical activity (P = 0.017). The costs of the intervention program and control group were estimated to be MYR304.52 (USD92.28) and MYR169.90 (USD51.48) per participant respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of all the RF were lower than the World Health Organization recommendation based on the CHOICE analyses for relative cost-effectiveness of an intervention. Body mass index and alcohol consumption reported negative ICER which indicated control dominant. Sensitivity analyses showed that ICER was reported to be most sensitive to the change in participants’ salary. Conclusion: The proposed health promotion program was shown to be cost-effective in modifying most of the behavioral RF.

    Formulation and Stability of Extemporaneously Prepared Morphine Oral Suspension

      Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

      Abstract

      Morphine taken by mouth is an effective analgesic for most people with moderate or severe cancer pain. Hospital pharmacists commonly prepare morphine oral liquid extemporaneously for cancer patients who require tube feeding or have difficulties in swallowing because it is not available commercially in Malaysia. This study aims to provide the physical, chemical and microbiological stability data to determine the shelf-life and storage condition for the extemporaneous preparation of morphine oral suspension (10mg/5ml) using X-Temp Oral Suspension System. The samples were divided into 2 groups and were stored at 4°C (refrigeration) and 30°C / 75%RH (room temperature) protected from light for 12 months. The physical, chemical and microbiological stability were examined at the interval of months 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12. The content of morphine was determined using HPLC-UV method. The content of morphine remained above 95% of the original concentration throughout the study period. The colour, clarity and odour remained fairly unchanged throughout the study period and the pH values were steady at around pH 4. The extemporaneous preparation was not susceptible to microbial contamination. The results from the stability studies confirmed that the new formulation of morphine oral suspension is stable for up to 12 months when packed in HDPE bottles with polypropylene caps and stored at both 4°C and 30°C / 75%RH.