Preventing adverse drug reactions in the general population.
In 2000, the number of patient deaths attributable to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) was estimated to be 218,000 annually. More than 51% of approved drugs in the market today may have serious side effects not detected before marketing approval. The causes of ADRs are many, ranging from drug-drug interactions to simple patient noncompliance. Until the use of electronic medical records becomes ubiquitous, other partnerships must be undertaken to lower the incidence of ADRs. Health plans and pharmacy benefit managers must work together to take effective steps to increase ADR monitoring and reporting and to proactively avoid ADRs through pharmacy management tools.
Pezalla
Edmund
E
Prescription Solutions, Santa Ana, California 92704, USA. Edmund.pezalla@rxsol.com
D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D011159:Population Surveillance; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States