Every year in France, 212,500 people would be hospitalized because of adverse effects related to taking a drug. A figure that has risen sharply since 2007, according to a study by the French network of regional pharmacovigilance centers (RFCRPV) commissioned by the ANSM. According to the results made public on May 19, the incidence of these hospitalizations would have increased by 136% between 2007 and 2018, rising from 3.6 to 8.5%. After one month of follow-up, the mortality rate is estimated at 1.3%, or about 2,760 deaths per year.
“The volume of drug consumption does not seem to be an explanatory factor since a modest drop (minus 4%) in this volume was observed between the two periods. On the other hand, the profile of the victims and the type of drugs involved in the occurrence of these adverse effects could explain this increase”indicates the communicated of the RFCRPV.
A trend that is not unique to France
Indeed, theincidence increases with age : it is 3.3% among those under 16 compared to 10.6% among those over 65. The trend is also not limited to France and increases in hospitalizations for adverse drug reactions have been observed in several countries.
The profile of drugs implicated in the occurrence of adverse effects has also changed since 2007, “with the arrival of new pharmacological classes, in particular targeted therapies, new direct oral anticoagulants and incretinomimetic type antidiabetics”continues the press release.
Side effects can take the form of hemorrhagic manifestations (8.8%), but also result in hematological damage (6.5%), acute renal failure (6.3%), hydro-electrolyte disorders (6%) and falls (5.2%). ).
Hospitalizations that could be avoided
But the study also showed that 16.1% of these side effects could have been avoided “if the drugs had been used by healthcare professionals and patients in accordance with the recommendations for good use”.
And these main situations of non-compliance are disrespect that is :
- The dose or duration of use (27.9%);
- A warning (23.2%)
- A precaution for use (18.6%).
There were no cases of non-compliance with a contraindication in this study. Finally, the medication errors were the reason for avoidable hospitalization in 9.6% of cases.
Source :
- Press release, French network of regional pharmacovigilance centers
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