AHRQ WebM&M: Morbidity and Mortality Rounds on the Web

AHRQ WebM&M: Morbidity and Mortality Rounds on the Web

Clostridium Difficile Relapse Secondary to Medication Access Issue

Following a hospitalization for Clostridium Difficile–associated diarrhea, a woman with HIV/AIDS and B-cell lymphoma was discharged with a prescription for a 14-day course of oral vancomycin solution. At her regular retail pharmacy, she was unable to obtain the medicine, and while awaiting coverage approval, she received no treatment. Her symptoms soon returned, prompting an emergency department visit where she was diagnosed with toxic megacolon.
Commentary by Paul C. Walker, PharmD, and Jerod Nagel, PharmD