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Adverse Drug Reactions: An Overview

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About 250,000 Australians are hospitalised every year for medicine-related reasons, including adverse drug reactions. Over half of these hospitalisations are thought to be preventable. Ensuring the safe use of medicines is a crucial component of patient safety. Therefore, any known or new adverse drug reactions should always be documented, monitored and communicated appropriately to prevent re-exposure.

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What is this article about?

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are unwanted or harmful reactions to medicines that were taken under normal conditions of use. These reactions are related to the medicines themselves rather than other factors. Any medicine has the potential to cause an adverse drug reaction, even those derived from natural sources. ADRs can range from minor, uncomfortable side effects to dangerous and potentially life-threatening reactions.

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Ausmed
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Ausmed’s editorial team is committed to providing high-quality, well-researched and reputable education to our users, free of any commercial bias or conflict of interest. All education produced by Ausmed is developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and undergoes a rigorous review process to ensure the relevancy of all healthcare information and updates to changes in practice. If you have identified an issue with the education offered by Ausmed or wish to submit feedback to Ausmed's editorial team, please email ausmed@ausmed.com.au with your concerns.
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What do others think?

600 reviews by Ausmed Learners
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LN
Loan Nguyen
16 Oct 2023
The article is short but clear and informative.
EJ
Elly jeffery
12 Sep 2023
Enrolled Nurse
great resource
BB
Bina Baniya
22 Mar 2021
Great resource!
RA
Rosy Ali
11 Sep 2023
Very informative
ER
Emma Ryan
13 Sep 2020
Excellent information, quick easy read to help reduce risks associated with medications
MH
Mia-Louise Hogan
02 Sep 2021
Excellent Resource
KM
Kristine McIntyre
20 Sep 2020
Interesting! Good to review this topic and the importance of being alert to and recording all adverse medication reactions
KT
Kirsty thomas
14 Sep 2023
Good
BK
Braden Kydd
03 Nov 2020
Succinct, relevant, and useful.
HR
Hari Rai
13 Sep 2023
Great
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