Search Annals: Advanced search

Rapid Responses to:

Improving Patient Care: Jonathan R. Nebeker, Paul Barach, and Matthew H. Samore Clarifying Adverse Drug Events: A Clinician's Guide to Terminology, Documentation, and Reporting Ann Intern Med 2004; 140: 795-801 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

Send comment/rapid response letter

Electronic letters published:

Farewell to ARMs

Sonal singh   (24 May 2004)

Farewell to ARMs 24 May 2004
Sonal singh, MD Unity health System,Rochester,NY14626 Send rapid response to journal: Re: Farewell to ARMs ssingh{at}unityhealth.org Sonal singh	Dr Nebeker and his colleagues attempt to clarify the confusion surrounding the terminology of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and adverse drug events is commendable but raises several interesting questions (1). Firstly, the authors fail to mention whether their proposed terminology of adverse drug events extends to adverse events occurring with herbal medications and supplements, which have become increasingly common today. Secondly, the term “drug” excludes contaminants (such as in herbal medicines) or inactive substances in a formulation (2). So should we be talking about adverse reactions to medicines, ARMs rather than adverse drug reactions (ADRs) (2)? Clarifying the terminology surrounding adverse events will enable both clinicians and patients bid farewell to ARMs. REFERENCES 1. Nebeker, J. R., P. Barach, et al. (2004). "Clarifying Adverse Drug Events: A Clinician's Guide to Terminology, Documentation, and Reporting." Ann Intern Med 140(10): 795-801. 2. Aronson, J. (2004). "HARMful reactions." BMJ 328(7449): 1173-. Conflict of Interest: None declared