WHAT IS AN ADVERSE DRUG REACTION (ADR)?

An adverse drug reaction (ADR) is defined as any noxious or un- intended response(s) to a drug that is administered in normal doses used in humans by the proper route for the purpose of prophylaxis, diagnosis or treatment.

ADR can occur in a mild form (rashes) or severe form; it can be serious which cause absence from productive activity, admission to hospital and prolongation of hospitalization, birth defects, danger to life and even death.

WHY DOES ADVERSE DRUG REACTION OCCUR?

There are several factors which may affect how your body reacts towards certain drugs:

• Age
• Gender
• Body weight
• Medical conditions
• Organ functions
• Genetic (most influential factor)

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO?

• Stop taking the medicine that you suspect to cause the reactions (including any health supplement and complementary medicines.)
• See your pharmacist or doctor. Bring along the medicines for ADR verification and reporting.
• Take note on the onset of the reactions and the date of starting and stopping the suspected medicine.

WHY DO YOU HAVE TO REPORT?

• To assess the safety of the medicine especially newly introduced medicine, health supplement and complementary medicine which has limited safety data.
• Some adverse drug reactions occur after prolonged treatment.
• Early detection may prevent serious reactions
• Your report may contribute to the development of our drug safety data.
• To create awareness among healthcare professionals and to prevent more serious incidents in future.

SAFETY TIPS                                              

• Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any medicine.
• Read  the  label  carefully  and  pay special attention to the warnings
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor for further information about medicines including health supplement and complementary medicine.
• Take your medicine as instructed.
• Throw away old and expired medicines.
• Neither share nor offer your medicine with anyone else.
• Ensure the drug is labeled properly even it is not stored in its original container.
• If you suspecting of developing an ADR due to certain drug you take, stop taking the medicine. And go to the hospital immediately for the treatment.