Pharmacotherapeutic Follow-Up and Pharmacovigilance on a Colombian Neurological and Pain Health Service Provider Institution

BACKGROUND: Pharmacotherapy follow-up and pharmacovigilance are activities done exclusively by the community pharmacist, within the framework of pharmaceutical care. The first is patient-oriented and helps in the detection of drug-related negative medication outcomes – NMO (of necessity, effectiveness, or safety) and drug-related problems – DRP (availability, prescription, dispensing, administration, quality, or use), while the second is oriented to medications and their safety, by systematically evaluating Adverse Drug Reactions – ADRs and their causality. OBJECTIVE: To identify potential NMOs and DRPs associated with the use of medications in ambulatory patients through pharmacotherapeutic follow-up and pharmacovigilance activities. METHODS: Of the total number of patients for whom the medication was authorized, the minimum statistical sample (CI=95%, α=5%) was calculated for each drug, and a literature review was performed to determine the criteria for the evaluation of necessity, effectiveness, and safety. RESULTS: Patients showed good adherence to the evaluated drugs, being the lowest found of 72,4% for acetaminophen/hydrocodone. An incidence of DNO of 24,4% was found, being the nonquantitative lack of safety DNOs the most frequent (17,8%); the incidence of DRP was 22,6%, being the inappropriate use of the medication the most relevant (17,3%). Drug interactions found during the process were intervened with the patient or physician, as necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacotherapy follow-up and pharmacovigilance are important activities, especially in outpatients, since it allows the identification and early intervention of DNO and DRP to avoid the detriment of the patient's health.