Identifying and Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions of Artemisin in Combination Therapies in Community Pharmacies in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Artemisin in base Combination Therapies (ACTs) are the first line drugs for the management of uncomplicated falciparum malaria and patients may access them through community pharmacies. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have been reported with the use of ACTs.
Objectives: To investigate the level of participation of community pharmacists in identifying, documentation and reporting of adverse drug reactions of ACTs and factors affecting the actions taken by the pharmacists in response to ADRs
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 120 registered retail community pharmacies in Abuja (Municipal) Nigeria. Data were collected within the period 2010-2012 with the aid of a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16.
Results: Adverse reactions documented include abdominal discomfort, collapsing, stiffness of jaw, weakness, protrusion of tongue, etc. The response rate was 83.3%. Respondents indicated that adults (73.1%), adolescents (3.7%) and children (12.2%) were affected by the ADRs. Level of participation in ADR reporting was low and challenges in the reporting process include lack of information on reporting pattern (43.0%) and nonavailability of reporting forms (59.0%). The years of experience significantly affected the actions taken by community pharmacists while previous pharmacovigilance training and awareness did not have such effects.
Conclusion: A number of adverse drug reactions of ACTs were reported by community pharmacists. Level of participation of the community pharmacists in reporting adverse-drug reactions was very low due to inadequate awareness of the procedure for reporting. This is irrespective of their years of experience and previous awareness of ADR.

Key words: Adverse Drug Reaction, ACT, Community Pharmacists,