Adverse drug reactions underreporting

Martin, R.M., Kapoor, K.V, Wilton, L.V and Mann, R.O. (1998). Underreporting of suspected adverse drug reactions to newly marketed ( black triangle ) drugs in general practice Observational study. Br. J. Med. 317 119-120. 

Although some adverse drug reactions are minor and resolve without sequelae/ others can cause permanent disability or death. ADRs occur commonly/ but estimates of incidence vary considerably. This is due to substantial underreporting of ADRs and differences in study methodology/ populations studied/ and ADR definitions. Adverse drug reactions account for 2.9-15.4% of all hospital admissions in the... 

Adverse drug reactions are the most common iatrogenic illness, complicating, at times, up to 15% of therapeutic drug courses. Despite the frequency and sometimes life-threatening nature of ADRs, they remain underreported and thus are an underestimated cause of morbidity and mortality. 

Y. Moride, F. Haramburu, A. A. Requejo and B. Begaud, Underreporting of adverse drug reactions in general practice, Br. J. Clin. Pharmacol., 1997, 43, 177-181. 

During this time of GPMSP, data accrual is dependent on accurate and complete spontaneous adverse reaction report submission. As described earlier, this is at best a questionable state of affairs as underreporting is widespread. However, there is an increasing awareness among all involved in drug discovery, development, and use that the only way to lower the ADR... 

---