Farmacovigilanza e segnalazione di sospetta reazione avversa (ADR): strumento utile per l’attività del medico e per migliorare la salute del cittadino

Abstract

Reporting of suspected Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), that is to say an unwanted and negative event associated with the use of a medication, is an important problem that involves health professionals. Reducing and preventing ADRs can contribute in decreasing Hospital costs and improving patients safety. For this reason, it is essential for the physicians to reach a deep knowledge of such reactions, to prevent some of the medication errors connected to drugs prescription. Many cases, from thalidomide to cerivastatin and rofecoxib, are emblematic. Not only the pre-marketing, but also the post-marketing stage, can help to discover important previously unavailable data about major adverse events.