What is the Size or Severity of the ADR Problem in Nigeria?
While no studies have comprehensively assessed the burden of adverse drug reactions on health care, it is likely that the problem is considerable in Nigeria. There is very limited information available on ADRs. However, the National Drug Policy recognises the need for a pharmacovigilance programme in Nigeria, to deal with widespread irrational drug use, including, preference for injections, misuse of antibiotics and other prescription drugs, unstandardized use of orthodox and traditional/herbal medicines and extensive self medication. The circulation of substandard and counterfeit medicines in Nigerian, lack of independent information on drugs other than that from the pharmaceutical industry and the irrational use of drugs, compound the likelihood of a higher incidence of ADRs. Effective pharmacovigilance activity will enable Nigeria to develop a good record keeping habit and build a useful safety information database that will improve the quality of health care offered to the patient.
