Importance of Consumer Pharmacovigilance System In Developing Countries: A Case Of Malaysia

摘要

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major cause for morbidity and mortality. The existing system for monitoring ADRs in Malaysia depends on spontaneous reporting from health professionals as a main source of information. We present here, an overview on the need for consumer reporting in Malaysia and on the advantages, disadvantages and international experiences on consumer reporting. We discuss here, how to start consumer reporting in Malaysia and its significant contribution to the existing system of drug monitoring in Malaysia. We conclude that consumer reporting should be introduced to overcome underreporting, to promote consumer rights and to increase the knowledge about the risks of medications.