Identification and Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions in the Pharmacovigilance Center of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: In spite of being the most vital part of the health-care system, medicines can become the reason for hospitalization or prolonged hospital stay if not used with vigilance. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have become a major reason for the rise in morbidity and mortality rate. Hence, monitoring of the ADRs and understanding their route cause is utmost important in a clinical setup. This project aims to monitor the ADRs and improve ADR reporting in the hospital. Methods: The work was carried out at a tertiary care hospital in Pune. Daily visit to different departments was done and patients were screened from admission to discharge during the study period. ADRs occurring due to chemotherapy, overdose, intoxication, drug abuse, accidental/intentional poisoning, and blood/blood products were excluded. The data of ADRs reported in the hospital in the past 3 years were collected and compared with the prospective data to analyze the improvement in ADR reporting in the hospital. Results: ADRs occurring in males were more than those in females. Adults between the age group of 20 and 59 years were more prone to ADRs. Maximum number of ADRs reported were occurring due to antimicrobial agents. The organ that was commonly affected due to ADRs was skin. Conclusion: High incidence of ADRs insists on vigilant monitoring to prevent its further recurrence. More studies need to be conducted to know the exact occurrence and prevalence of ADRs in the Indian population. Creating awareness among the HCPs for reporting suspected ADRs will help to improve patient safety. ADR reporting can be enhanced if the involvement of clinical pharmacists is strengthened in health-care centers.