Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions by Community Pharmacists: A Qualitative Study in Quebec

We report on the findings of an original research initiative to explore current gaps that exist in the level of awareness and utilization of Canada's adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting system among community pharmacists. To understand the level of knowledge and practices related to ADR reporting, a survey was conducted among Quebec pharmacists. Nearly two thirds of respondents had reported at least one ADR in the past, but many did not recognize “lack of effectiveness” as an ADR and were unaware of the minimum requirements for ADR reporting. Events seen as “unexpected, rare, or serious” were most likely to be reported whereas “well-known or common” events or those with “uncertain causality” tended not to be reported. Regarding switching from brand name to generic formulation, two thirds reported that they did not perform special monitoring, yet the same proportion recalled a specific ADR associated with switching, particularly with Effexor XR (venlafaxine XR), Pantoloc (pantoprazole), and Concerta (methylphenidate-OROS). The majority of the current survey participants (Quebec pharmacists) are aware of the ADR reporting system, but underutilization exists.