Adverse drug reactions can occur when the body's immune system reacts with the chemical compound in a drug, report doctors at the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other reactions happen as result of allergies. Unknown causes of adverse drug reactions can happen when a diagnosis is not clear or a patient's medical history is in question. While treatment usually involves discontinuing the offending drug, you need to know the best way report adverse drug reactions to receive the proper treatment.
Step 1
Keep the prescription bottles of your medications so healthcare providers can get the exact name of the drug that you are taking when you have a reaction. AAFP doctors report that most drug reactions manifest as a rash, but can be severe and cause unconsciousness.
Step 2
Be prepared to report any allergic reactions you may have had in the past to help doctors diagnose your symptoms. Keep a record of when you started taking a new medication. Have available a list of all medications you are currently taking, including the dosage amount.
Step 3
Show treating physicians any skin rash or other skin abnormality. You may have a fever and trouble breathing, but any number of factors could account for those symptoms. When combined with a skin discoloration or lesion, an adverse drug reaction diagnosis is easier to make.
Step 4
Document the treatment you received that caused the reaction as well as the results. Keep track of dates, medical complications you underwent, the level of your reaction and how you were treated so you can follow up with the proper reporting procedures if your doctor refuses to report your reaction.
Step 5
Print the Food and Drug Administration reporting form from the FDA website and bring it to your doctor to fill out. If you prefer not to go through your healthcare provider, the FDA does accept reports of adverse drug reaction from consumers. This is a voluntary program that is monitored by the FDA to follow patients' experiences with various medications.
Step 6
Call the FDA at (800) FDA-0178 if you do not have access to online reporting. Use the FDA to report fraud or misuse of drugs as well as adverse reactions to prescribed medication, medical devices or over-the-counter medications or supplements.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear a medical identification bracelet or pendant if you routinely have adverse drug reactions or are allergic to latex or penicillin.
- Report all of your conditions to any doctor treating you for any reason to avoid adverse drug reactions. Report all allergies as well as reactions to natural supplements. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that close to 100,000 U.S. deaths are attributed annually to adverse drug reactions.
Things You'll Need
- Original prescription package
- FDA reporting form
