It is important for serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to be reported to government regulators of the pharmaceutical industry.
Health Canada defines a serious ADR as a noxious and unintended response to a drug that occurs at any dose and that:
- Requires in-patient hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization;
- Causes congenital malformation;
- Results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity;
- Is life-threatening; or
- Results in death.
Here are the ADR reporting websites for a few countries:
- Australia – Department of Health: Therapeutic Goods Association
- Canada – Health Canada
- New Zealand – Pharmacovigilance Centre
- United Kingdom – Yellow Card: MHRA
- United States – MedWatch: FDA
