Background Eribulin is a drug indicated for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. The recommended dose of eribulin is 1.23 mg/m² and it should be administered intravenously on days 1 and 8 of every 21 day cycle. If not used immediately, eribulin should not be stored longer than 4 h at 25°C or 24 h at 2–8°C because it would be difficult to use its residues.

Purpose The aim of this study was to demonstrate the cost saving related to the optimised distribution of eribulin in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer by grouping together all patients who receive this drug in a pre-established day of the week, in order to avoid wasting the drug.

Material and methods With the collaboration of the oncology day hospital department, we arranged a weekly drug day (Wednesday) in which we concentrated together all patients receiving the same drug. Data were collected over a 3 month period before the introduction of the drug day (February–April 2015) and over a 3 month period after the introduction of the drug day (July–September 2015). The number of vials used during the first quarter was compared with the number of vials used during the second quarter and, by this comparison, the savings since the introduction of the drug day system were calculated.

Results Before the introduction of the drug day, patients received the dose of eribulin on different days: for a total dose of 137.20 mg, we used 169 vials. After the introduction of the drug day therapy strategy, for a total dose of 101.5 mg, we used 110 vials instead of the 116 expected. In accordance with the stability of the drug, we saved 6 vials (cost €348.37/vial) with a quarterly saving of €2090.22.

Conclusion Clustering patients on an agreed day of the week allows significant cost savings to be achieved. These results could be applied to vial optimisation of other expensive drugs.

References and/or Acknowledgements

1. Assessment Report for Halaven (eribulin mesilate). Available at http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/002084/WC500105112.pdf

References and/or AcknowledgementsNo conflict of interest.