Pharmacies to display QR code for reporting adverse drug events

Pharmacy outlets across Tamil Nadu have begun displaying a QR code to help the public report suspected adverse drug reactions.

About 42,000 chemist shops under the Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association (TNCDA) are adding the feature as per the instructions of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

The CDSCO had recently asked State Licensing Authorities and Union Territory Drug Licensing Authorities to ensure the display of the designated QR code at a prominent location on every retail and wholesale pharmacy premises across the country. This was part of efforts to strengthen patient safety and pharmacovigilance.

Along with the QR code, a toll-free number of Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (1800-180-3024) must be displayed. 

This measure would facilitate the seamless reporting of adverse events/adverse drug reactions through the Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System, the organisation said.

Officials were told to monitor strict compliance with these directives to promote drug safety and protect public health.

S.A. Ramesh, president of TNCDA, said pharmacies had started to display the QR code, and it would be completed in 10 days.

S. Gurubharathi of the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department released the QR code stickers, and the TNCDA distributed them to pharmacies across the State. “Tamil Nadu is the first to implement this. The public can scan the QR code to report any adverse event they experience or suspect after taking the purchased medicine. This will ensure public safety as it enables them to complain about any side effects of the medicines consumed. This information will strengthen pharmacovigilance practices.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Ramesh cautioned people about the online sale of medicines, including antibiotics and psychotropic drugs. “Online sale of medicines continues unabated. When drugs such as antibiotics are easily accessed through online pharmacies, where is the forum to take up complaints, including those of side effects? Already, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a huge concern. Three years ago, TNCDA began spreading awareness about AMR in every district,” he said.