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NST,
14 June 2002
Dear
Sir,
This is with regard to the article published in the NST dated 14
June 2002 titled, "Five drugs placed on the ‘concern list’
amid fear of adverse reaction."
It appears that the source of information for the article is lifted
out from the Adverse Drug Reaction section of the Drug Control Authority’s
(DCA) website. It is unfortunate that no clarification was sought
from any professional body or individual before publishing the article.
The website clearly states "the information in these articles
is meant for doctors, pharmacists and other allied health professionals
with the intention of making drug use and treatment safer. Consumers
are advised to seek clarification from their doctors/pharmacists
...."
Adverse drug reaction monitoring is a standard procedure for the
DCA to see if there is any serious post-marketing adverse events.
The intention of the information on the website is to highlight
the importance for doctors and any medical practitioners to give
feedback to the DCA if their patients suffer persistent and serious
side-effects from any drug. This is part and parcel of good clinical
practice.
Patients, on the other hand, should report to their doctors and/or
the DCA of any adverse reactions if they suffer from any of these
reactions when consuming any drug.
The pharmaceutical industry has always worked closely with the authorities
in ensuring vigilant adverse reaction reporting and will continue
to do so.
Medical information cannot be interpreted literally and needs the
expertise of a qualified medical professional to interpret it accurately
for the lay public. Not doing so is irresponsible.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Choe Tong Seng
President
Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia (PhAMA).
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