A REVIEW ON ADVERSE DRUG REACTION REPORTING IN WHO, CANADA AND AUSTRALIA

Abstract

The primary purpose of adverse drug reaction reporting is to provide early warnings or “signals” of previously unrecognized drug reaction. The method was developed in the 1960s in response to the thalidomide tragedy and is now well established throughout the developed world. Health professionals are the key original source of reports, the awareness of reporting the adverse reaction by the patient is not well practiced. Alternative methods for capturing clinical suspicions of adverse drug reactions should be investigated and could provide more systematic data. However much it can be improved, adverse drug reaction reporting is unlikely to identify all important unrecognized drug hazards. There is no guarantee for the complete safety of a medicine and adverse reactions are very common than expected. It is virtually impossible to determine the accurate number of adverse drug reactions experienced since it is difficult to assess causality and the fewer amounts of ADRs being reported. In the present work the adverse reaction reporting systems in WHO; Canada and Australia have been discussed. These systems have made it easier for the healthcare professionals and patients to report the adverse drug reactions. Complementary approaches therefore still need to be identified and developed. Imparting knowledge and awareness of ADR reporting among medical practitioners would bring the reporting culture among medical practitioners and increase the reporting rates of ADR.