Perspectives from New Adverse Event Reports

In this issue of QuarterWatch™ we analyze two notably different adverse drug events. We identify drugs with signals for insomnia, one of the most common drug side effects that can both impair the quality of life and at times affect health. At the other extreme we examine the emerging risks of the new drugs for hepatitis C for triggering liver failure, a rare and catastrophic medical event that often ends in death or a liver transplant. We also summarize our recently published, peer-reviewed study of the harms of antipsychotic drugs.

QuarterWatch™ is an independent publication of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP). We analyze computer excerpts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). These reports (best known as MedWatch reports) are a cornerstone of the nation’s system for monitoring the safety of prescription drugs after FDA marketing approval.  We also receive dispensed outpatient prescription data from QuintilesIMS, a health information company.