People can now report adverse drug reactions

The DRAP pharmacy services director has said its ‘MED safety mobile application’ has been “successfully supporting the people” to report adverse drug reactions (ADRs) cases.

“In case of any such grievance, the victims can submit complaint with DRAP through this mobile application,” DRAP Pharmacy Services Director Dr Abdur Rashid was quoted as saying in a statement issued on Sunday.

“Only seven countries have created this mobile application so far,” he said, adding that the World Health Organization (WHO) would directly receive the complaint on any such matter regarding adverse reactions of drugs. He elaborated that the complainer could submit report on adverse reactions even when offline or to view and submit updates to previously submitted reports.

Elaborating the details of the mobile application, Dr Rashid said the complainer could also see immediate acknowledgement of receipt of report. Moreover, there was a watch list of medications to receive personalised news and alert, he said, adding that while using such an option one could create a watch list for drugs.

On emergency cases, he said that quick action would be taken and in this regard SOPs have been developed by the authority. Dr Rashid added that there would be a separate reporting form for suspected adverse drug reactions in relation to Covid-19.

“The ADR reporting is a just a touch way and with active participation, citizens can contribute to the cause of safety of medicines in the country,” he added.

He said that all submitted reports could also be viewed later for adding more information. He said that the process of having such an application was very simple.

The director advised citizens to keep updated with the safety alerts issued by the National Pharmacovigilance Centre at DRAP. He said that several innovative steps have been taken for maintaining quality and availability of necessary medicines in the country.

Dr Rashid said: “DRAP is on the way to become a world class regulatory organisation at par with international standards and best practices, through effective management strategies for implementations of regulations and their enforcement throughout the country.”

He claimed that the authority was adopting the globally harmonised science-based standards for the evaluation, registration and monitoring of safety, quality and efficacy of therapeutic goods. APP