Adverse Drug Reactions, Power, Harm Reduction, Regulation and the ADRe Profiles.

ABSTRACT: The power and influence of healthcare systems comes largely from the ability to prescribe efficacious medicine. However, medicine can sometimes cause harm rather than bring benefits. Systematically checking patients for the adverse effects of medicines, as listed in manufacturers' literature, would protect patients from iatrogenic harm, but this is rarely undertaken. We argue for the benefits of this approach using the example of the prescription of antipsychotics to older adults. Prescribing antipsychotics to control challenging behaviours associated with dementia is a controversial matter, and regulatory intervention is under discussion. Improved regulatory systems could protect against iatrogenic harm, such as over-sedation, falls, tremor, or drug-induced Parkinsonism. However, measurin

SUBMITTER: Jordan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6165166 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature