Improving adverse drug reaction reporting in the community setting

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occur on a daily basis and result in much patient suffering as well as increased health care expenditures. Most ADR reports received by the Food and Drug Administration are from hospital-based health care professionals and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Community-based ADR reporting is currently not mandated by any regulatory authority and is an area in need of much attention. Pharmacists working in the community are in a unique position to become involved in ADR monitoring and reporting.