[Introduction of pharmacovigilance in a new university hospital in Morocco: how and why]

In an effort to improve patient safety, Hassan II hospital in Fez introduced a pharmacovigilance system for notification of adverse drug reactions as a priority objective. The implementation of pharmacovigilance activities actually began in June 2007 but it was in 2009 after the inauguration of the new complex that the system became properly operational. This report outlines the activities carried out to develop and implement this system, including informing and training the health professionals, and the results obtained after its introduction. From 2007 to 2009, fewer than 100 cases of adverse drug reactions were reported. Up to June 2011, however, 520 reports of adverse drug reactions were recorded. The classes of drugs most implicated in adverse events were: cancer drugs (26%), anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics (each 15%), analgesics (12%), iodinated contrast agents (6%), and anticoagulants and corticosteroids (5%). The main adverse events were dermatological and 27% of reports came from the internal medicine department, followed by hepatogastroenterology (25%). Of the 520 cases reported, 46% were severe.