title: [Role of pharmacovigilance center in information for the public on drugs. Experience in Marseille on 9 month].
abstract: We analyzed the role of the Marseille pharmacovigilance center (working in collaboration with the local poison treatment center) in informing the general public on medicinal drugs. Over a 9-month period, the center received 115 requests from members of the public for information. 82.6% of callers were not members of the health professions and wanted information for themselves (61.7%, 67.6% women) or their children (26.08%). The questions mainly involved drug interactions (28.7%), side-effects (26%) and precautions for use in particular circumstances (20%). 178 proprietary drugs (47 of which had been bought over the counter) were mentioned. The main therapeutic classes were neuropsychiatric drugs (n = 41), cardiovascular drugs (n = 17) and analgesics (n = 16). A number of communication difficulties and problems of a deontological nature were encountered. Full information was provided in every case, together with advice on prevention to about half the callers.
authors.affiliation: Centre de Pharmacovigilance, Hôpital Salvator, Marseille.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Jean-Pastor
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morange-Sala
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rodor
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gambini
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Galland
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: David
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jouglard
mesh_terms: D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; D004346:Drug Information Services; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011039:Poison Control Centers; D011639:Public Opinion
vernacular_title: Rôle d'un centre de pharmacovigilance dans l'information du public sur le médicament. Expérience à Marseille sur 9 mois.