Clinical indications treated with unregistered antimicrobials: regulatory challenges of antimicrobial resistance and access to effective treatment for patients.

ConclusionsAlthough the introduction of a new pathway has decreased the administrative burden when accessing unregistered antimicrobials, this study highlights the range of clinical conditions for which there are no registered drugs available in Australia.What is known about the topic?With increasing antimicrobial resistance and a paucity of novel antimicrobials entering the market, access to older, previously less-used antimicrobials is increasingly important in clinical practice. Accessing unregistered antimicrobials is common practice in Australian hospitals, but the range of clinical indications for which they are used is unclear.What does this paper add?Increasing antimicrobial resistance and a concurrent paucity of new antimicrobials being marketed globally is increasing the risk that patients may develop infections that cannot be treated with registered products. This study describes the range of clinical conditions for which registered antimicrobials are not available or appropriate, illustrating the challenges associated with sustainable access to effective treatments.What are the implications for practitioners?Access to effective antimicrobials in a timely manner is essential for optimal patient outcomes. Reliance on unregistered products is associated with increased risks regarding timely access to safe, quality-assured, effective medicines. PMID: 31272525 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research