Prescription sequence analysis: a new and fast method for assessing certain adverse reactions of prescription drugs in large populations.
Prescription sequence analysis (PSA) uses pharmacy-based prescription drug histories to detect a subset of drug effects: those that are themselves indications for changes in the prescribing of another drug. Dutch pharmacy practice ensures virtually complete drug histories. With a database of 25,000 patients, we used PSA to test an alleged link between the use of the anti-vertigo drug flunarizine and mental depression. The temporal sequence of anti-depressant use among flunarizine users shows no clustering that would suggest a causal link. PSA can be run within a few days, which may make it helpful in resolving certain of the periodic controversies about adverse drug reactions.
Petri
H
H
Department of Epidemiology, University of Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
de Vet
H C
HC
Naus
J
J
Urquhart
J
J
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D005444:Flunarizine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D009426:Netherlands; D010605:Pharmacy Administration; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing / Q000379:methods*; D011996:Records; D013997:Time Factors
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D005444:Flunarizine