Author/Editor		Kansky, A
Title		Excessive use of drugs and adverse events: epidemiologic and pathogenetic aspects
Type		članek
Source		Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannon Adriat
Vol. and No.		Letnik 12, št. 4
Publication year		2003
Volume		str. 143-50
Language		eng
Abstract		Background. An unwarranted increase in the prescription and intake of drugs can be observed in the developed countries. The data on the incidence of adverse drug events is not reliable, but estimated to be close to 10%. Most drug eruptions affect the skin and are not life-threatening, but some very serious adverse drug events also occur. The cost of the drugs themselves, as well as the treatments, are becoming a burden on both insurance company and state budgets. Underlying causes of the excessive use of drugs. Information about drug usage may be partially biased. One effect of intensive and costly research has been to increase the supply of drugs. Articles in the popular press, advertising and also the sponsorship of congresses and symposia by drug manufacturers may also be seen as contributing to the awareness of and excessive use of drugs. Those involved in the misuse of drugs are frequently those most highly affected by the stress of modern life, psychopathic personalities, and drug addicts. Mechanisms by which adverse drug events are provoked. Allergic, non-allergic and pharmacogenetic mechanisms as well as drug overuse, toxic effects and the incompatibility of different drugs taken together are the most frequent trigger factors. Means by which the number of adverse drug events may be reduced. Adverse drug events may be reduced given the dissemination of correct information, through controlled clinical studies, through a strict editorial policy by the editors of medical journals, through an epidemiological approach to the phenomenon of adverse drug events, through pharmacogenetic studies, through appropriate reaction to biased data, and through general education in the sense of making the patient more aware and more careful of their psychic and physical condition.
Descriptors		DRUG ERUPTIONS ADVERSE DRUG REACTION REPORTING SYSTEMS DRUG UTILIZATION DRUG THERAPY