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Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)
What is an Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)?
Examples of how to use the golf term Albatross
- Document all suspected ADRs thoroughly in patient records, including onset, duration, severity, and management
- Report significant ADRs to the MHRA via the Yellow Card Scheme to contribute to national pharmacovigilance
- Consider medication review for patients experiencing ADRs, especially elderly or those on multiple medications
- Educate patients about potential ADRs and advise when to seek medical attention
- Incorporate ADR risk assessment into prescribing decisions, particularly for high-risk medications
Examples of how to use the golf term Albatross
- The patient experienced an adverse drug reaction to the antibiotics, presenting with a widespread rash that required immediate attention.
- GPs should consider whether symptoms might represent an adverse drug reaction before adding further medications to manage them.
- The Primary Care Network implemented a new protocol for monitoring and managing adverse drug reactions in elderly patients.
What does Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) mean?
An Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) is an unwanted, harmful effect caused by a medication when taken at normal therapeutic doses for prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Unlike side effects, which may be tolerable, ADRs are harmful and may require discontinuation of the medication, dose adjustment, or additional treatment.
How common are Adverse Drug Reactions in UK primary care?
Adverse Drug Reactions are relatively common in UK primary care, with studies suggesting they affect around 6.5% of hospital admissions. In primary care settings, approximately 2-3% of consultations involve ADRs. The elderly population is particularly vulnerable, with some estimates suggesting up to 10-20% of older patients experience ADRs annually.
What is the Yellow Card Scheme and how does it relate to Adverse Drug Reactions?
The Yellow Card Scheme is the UK's system for collecting and monitoring information on suspected safety concerns or incidents involving medicines, medical devices, and vaccines. Healthcare professionals and patients can report suspected Adverse Drug Reactions through this scheme to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This information helps identify new ADRs and take necessary actions to minimise risk to patients.
How do Primary Care Networks manage Adverse Drug Reactions?
Primary Care Networks manage Adverse Drug Reactions through several approaches: implementing structured medication reviews for high-risk patients, utilising clinical pharmacists to review medications, developing standardised reporting protocols, providing staff training on ADR recognition and management, and establishing clear communication pathways with secondary care for complex cases. They also engage in patient education about potential ADRs and when to seek medical attention.
What factors increase a patient's risk of experiencing an Adverse Drug Reaction?
Several factors increase a patient's risk of experiencing an Adverse Drug Reaction: advanced age (elderly patients have altered metabolism and excretion), polypharmacy (taking multiple medications), female gender, genetic factors affecting drug metabolism, kidney or liver impairment, previous history of ADRs, certain comorbidities like asthma or diabetes, and specific medications with higher risk profiles such as anticoagulants, NSAIDs, antibiotics, and antipsychotics.
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