Daedong Hospital Receives Award for Excellence in 2022 Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting

Pharmacist Han Se-eun of the Pharmacy Team Recognized for Performance at Busan Paik Hospital Regional Drug Safety Center

Daedong Hospital awarded for excellence in 2022 Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting. (Right: Han Se-eun, pharmacist at Daedong Hospital)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongguk Lee] Daedong Hospital pharmacist Han Se-eun received a commendation for being selected as an "Outstanding Reporter of Adverse Drug Reactions" in recognition of her diligent reporting of adverse drug reactions in 2022 from the Busan Paik Hospital Regional Drug Safety Center.

The Korea Institute of Drug Safety and Risk Management operates a drug monitoring system by designating 28 regional drug safety centers nationwide.

Through this system, adverse events?undesirable and unintended signs, symptoms, or diseases occurring during the administration and use of pharmaceuticals?are collected and identified, and safety measures are devised to promote the safe use of medicines for the public.

The regional drug safety centers collect and report adverse events from medical institutions and pharmacies using pharmaceuticals, and conduct focused monitoring activities targeting vulnerable groups and specific drugs.

They also provide pharmaceutical consultations to reporters and consumers. In particular, each regional center builds networks with local partner institutions to collect and evaluate drug side effects and report them to the Drug Safety Management Institute, contributing to the accumulation of drug safety information.

Pharmacist Han Se-eun of Daedong Hospital, who received the commendation, stated, "Medicines are used for patients after passing safety evaluations through various stages such as animal testing and clinical trials, but sometimes adverse reactions are discovered belatedly after being used by many patients. I will do my best to carefully monitor and promptly report adverse reactions to protect patients' health and help ensure the safe use of medicines."

To reduce adverse drug reactions and ensure safe use of medicines, drugs should be taken only when necessary after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist.

Medicines must be stored in appropriate conditions, and before taking them, expiration dates should be checked and the prescribed dosage and method must be followed.

When receiving a prescription, it is essential to inform the healthcare provider about any previous adverse reactions, allergic diseases, lifestyle habits such as drinking and smoking, current medications, and underlying conditions.

If any adverse reactions occur after taking medicines, they should be promptly reported to a doctor or pharmacist.