ENHANCING DRUG SAFETY: THE PHARMACIST'S ROLE IN MONITORING AND REPORTING ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS

This is a prospective, cohort, and interventional study approved by the institutional ethics committee. All the Outpatients and inpatients visiting MAMS Hospital using either prescribed or over-the-counter medications, and participants who have experienced or are susceptible to experiencing adverse drug reactions based on their prior medical history or current pharmaceutical regimen.

Among the 416 patients enrolled, 300 patients were non-ADR and 116 patients were ADRs. The majority of the patients were male, 215 (51.68%), with an age range of 60-100 years, 161 (38.7%), and were from the engineering profession, 128 (30.76%), with graduation, 141 (33.89%). Among the total population, ADR includes 116 participants, of whom 83 (72%) are certain, while the others are possible and likely on the WHO-UMC causality scale. Whereas on the Naranjo scale, the range of possibilities is 91 (79.13%), while the other is definite and probable. The distribution based on Hartwig and Siegel severity scale percentage of Mild reaction includes 95 (82.6%), while the other are moderate reactions. Lastly, the modified Schumock-Thronton scale, the percentage of probable and preventable includes 80 (69%), while the remaining were preventable and not preventable. The disease-wise distribution of ADRs and non-ADRs among 416 patients showed that the majority of ADRs were seen in 115 patients among the total patients, and the most experienced ADR event included pedal edema, 23 (20%), while the remaining follow-up.

The Study revealed that the involvement of pharmacists in patient education and counselling significantly helped in minimizing the occurrence of severe adverse effects. This approach also played a key role in improving patient adherence to prescribed therapies and enhancing the overall quality of care, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes.

Keywords: Pharmacists, Adverse Drug Reactions, Pharmacovigilance, Patient Safety, Drug Monitoring.