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Health Reporter
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) reported 537 adverse drug reactions and adverse events following immunisation between January and September last year, most of them mild and a minuscule number compared to the millions of people who took the drugs and the millions who were immunised against a wide range of diseases.
The authority has not changed the status of any drug or vaccine, but is keen on making sure health professionals are fully aware of the need to monitor and control any adverse reactions, even when the numbers are so small and most adverse reactions are fairly minor.
Adverse reactions are harmful effects suspected to be caused by a medicine or vaccine known as adverse drug reactions, side effects or undesirable effects. While most people take medicines without suffering any adverse reactions, some people can experience adverse reactions which range from headaches and upset stomach to more serious reactions such as liver or kidney injury.
The latest MCAZ medicines information bulletin highlights ongoing efforts to monitor drug safety and ensure patient protection across the country. The number of adverse reactions is miniscule
According to the report, a total of 320 cases of adverse events following immunisation were reported in the period under review while 108 adverse reactions were linked to essential medicines, including anti-retroviral and tuberculosis treatments.
Additionally, pharmaceutical companies reported 50 cases, and 59 were classified as serious adverse events arising from approved clinical trials.
Online Reporter