The Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI), which has identified the SDS TB Research Centre, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases (RGICD) to monitor adverse drug reactions (ADRs), is now working to have a centre for research and training. The objective is to educate its nurses and doctors on early detection of ADR caused by TB and lung infection medications.

The 470 bed teaching and government autonomous institute has two departments: Pulmonary Medicine and Thoracic Surgery which treats infectious and contagious diseases besides related emergencies. Under PvPI, it also coordinates with other government hospitals, local DOTS (directly observed treatment, short-course) centres under the RNTCP (Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme) to source ADR information.

“We are an ADR monitoring centre of PvPI since January 2013. Going by our efforts to report and record ADR besides transmit the data to PvPI via VigiFlow to the Uppsala Monitoring Centre, Sweden, we are now looking at the next phase of growth in Pharmacovigilance”, Dr Shashidhar Buggi, director, SDS TB Research Centre-RGIDC and coordinator, ADR Monitoring Committee told Pharmabiz.

“Therefore we are planning to approach PvPI for an in-house research-training facility within the complex. Our intent is to moot an education drive to detect medication reaction early and its efficient management,” he added.

ADR is a critical component in patient care. Specifically for tuberculosis where under DOTS drug regime medication reactions are common and widespread. Therefore reporting it immediately and taking the right precautions saves the patient from unnecessary complications, said Dr. Buggi.

According to Dr. B Dharini, Pharmacovigilance associate, SDS TB RC-RGICD, the TB drug regime is vast. It includes first line of oral drugs, injectables, fluoroquinolones and oral bacteriostatic which are second line therapy. ADRs are obvious and could span from hearing loss to dizziness, rashes, anorexia, abdominal pain, nausea, vision loss among others. Immediate medical attention is required on a time-bound basis to stop the drug and control the reaction after which an alternate medication is prescribed.

"In order to further give a fillip to our current medication methods, we need to percolate this knowledge on ADR not just among physicians, but nurses and patients. We are keen to embark on Pharmacovigilance research & training. There is also an increasing need to circulate banned drugs information across the hospital. We are looking to streamline the drug information access among physicians, nurses and patients. Therefore, we envisage the need for a  dedicated centre to encourage ADR reporting and evaluate casualties as faster pace,” said Dr. Buggi.