Pharmacovigilance of psychotropic drugs in a pharmacy in A Coruña (Spain)

Objectives: To carry out pharmacovigilance (PhV) in a community pharmacy, recording the adverse reactions (ADR) and to refer patients to their doctor if necessary.

Methodology: Transversal observational study. In an ad hoc questionnaire, patients’ demographic information is collected, along with details about their use of medication, and perceptions about the effectiveness and safety of drugs being studied. Four drugs were selected: duloxetine, venlafaxine, quetiapine and olanzapine, all of which were frequently dispensed in the pharmacy and recently came onto the market.

Results: 47 patients used one of the antidepressants studied. 34 (72.3%) women and 13 (27.7%) men. 21 (55.3%) were taking venlafaxine and 26 (44.7%) duloxetine. Mean age 52.9 (SD = 13.7) years (21-80). 36 were undergoing treatment using two of the antipsychotics in the study. 21 (58.3%) used olanzapine and 15 (41.8 %) quetiapine. mean age 41.6 (SD=13.4) years (27-70). 

174 ADR in the antidepressants and 120 in the antipsychotics. Dry mouth, tremors, excessive sweating, flatulence and anxiety were the most common ADR in the two antidepressants and dry mouth, decreased libido and weight gain were the most common in the two antipsychotics.

One case was reported to the Galician Pharmacovigilance Center. Two patients were referred to their doctors for drug related problems (DRPs).

Conclusions: PhV activity in a community pharmacy in A Coruña detected a large number of ADR, contributing to safer pharmacotherapy outcomes for patients.