AN OVERVIEW OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTION (ADR)

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) continue to be a critical issue within healthcare systems worldwide. ADRs occur when an unintended and harmful reaction arises from the administration of a drug at normal doses. These reactions can range from mild to life-threatening and contribute significantly to patient morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and, in severe cases, death. Despite extensive drug trials and safety testing prior to market release, ADRs remain an inevitable aspect of clinical treatment due to factors such as genetic variability, drug interactions, patient age, underlying diseases, and non-compliance with prescribed treatments.

Efforts have been made globally to mitigate the risks associated with ADRs, primarily through robust pharmacovigilance systems that monitor and report ADR incidents. Regulatory authorities like the FDA (U.S.), EMA (Europe), and others play a pivotal role in ensuring drug safety through post-marketing surveillance. Furthermore, ADR reporting systems have been established to encourage healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and patients to report any adverse effects, which allows for continuous monitoring and evaluation of drug safety.

However, underreporting remains a challenge in many countries, largely due to a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals or insufficient infrastructure to collect data. Improving the accuracy and rate of ADR reporting can significantly reduce the risks associated with drug therapies and improve overall patient care.