analgesic

Abstract

Introduction: Oral morphine solution is produced extemporaneously in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA). Currently, X-Temp® oral suspension system (OSS), a commercially produced drug vehicle, is used to substitute Simple Syrup in the production of oral morphine solution. Within general hospitals, particularly in HTAA, there are no published documents or official studies on the cost comparison of using Simple Syrup and X-Temp® OSS in the production of extemporaneous oral morphine solution. Materials and method: This is a retrospective study on the batches of oral morphine solution produced using Simple Syrup and X-Temp® OSS. Data were obtained from Psychotropics and Dangerous Drug Registers, Excel data and other relevant databases. All data were further analysed and presented in tables, graphs, and charts whenever applicable and necessary. Results: The median cost per batch of oral morphine with Simple Syrup is RM71.73 (IQR: RM 0.986), which is cheaper than oral morphine with X-Temp® OSS (RM547.68, IQR: RM273.84). There is a significant difference in terms of cost per batch of production between both groups (p=0.0001), where oral morphine with X-Temp® OSS has a higher median score compared to oral morphine with Simple Syrup. Oral morphine with X-Temp® OSS was produced less frequently than oral morphine with Simple Syrup. Thus, the total time spent for production per year is lesser with the use of X-Temp® OSS. The odds of disposing of oral morphine solution were significantly lower in oral morphine with X-Temp® OSS, compared to oral morphine with Simple Syrup. (OR = 43.52; 95% CI = 20.33 – 93.13; p=0.0001). Conclusion: The direct cost of X-Temp® OSS in the production of oral morphine solution is higher, but the indirect costs are lower, hence making it more beneficial in terms of reducing the use of human resources, saving time & minimizing wastage.