Counting the costs of drug-related adverse events

Adverse drug events occur frequently and lead to a significant number of fatalities each year. It has been estimated that fatalities directly attributable to adverse drug reactions are the fourth to sixth leading cause of death in US hospitals, exceeding deaths caused by pneumonia and diabetes. The economic burden resulting from drug-related morbidity and mortality is equally significant and has been conservatively estimated at $US30 billion dollars annually, and could exceed $US130 billion in a worst-case scenario. Since many adverse drug events are considered preventable, increased efforts should be made to avoid classes of drugs that are problem-prone and to initiate diligent monitoring of drugs with predictable toxicities. Programmes should also be implemented that improve medication use practices within institutions. Although nearly all drugs are capable of producing an injury, certain drugs are more likely to do so. Prevention of drug-related morbidity and mortality has become an increasingly important requirement for reducing healthcare expenditures. This article will review studies that examine the economic implications of drug-related adverse events.