To the Editor: The Commentary by Dr Strom1 points out several of the problems with the current drug safety monitoring system and offers several suggestions for improving the system. One recommendation calls for the use of independent and complementary nongovernmental organizations in the process of drug safety.
We believe that certified poison control centers (PCCs) fit this requirement and can significantly enhance postmarketing drug surveillance. Poison control centers are staffed with health care professionals trained to obtain detailed medication-related information and health histories, document calls, perform triage, assist in treating patients who are experiencing adverse drug reactions, follow up on outcomes, and perform surveillance. Acting as a focal point for the reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions would be consistent with the public health and surveillance activities currently performed by PCCs.
Data from individual PCCs are sent to the Toxic Exposure Surveillance System (TESS), a surveillance database coordinated by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.2 - 3 TESS data are already used by the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies for postmarketing surveillance.3 - 4 The advantages of using the PCC system to collect medication safety data include it being nonpunitive, confidential, and independent; having a toll-free telephone number as a point of access; serving as a source for information regarding drug interactions; and providing immediate availability of reported data.4 - 5
Financial Disclosures: None reported.
Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature
Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal
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