Medication monitoring in the workplace: toward improving our system of epidemiologic intelligence
Article Abstract:
Knowledge about the effects of drugs that are available in this country is limited. Flaws persist in spite of extensive drug development and testing procedures, including a comprehensive postmarketing reporting system for adverse drug reactions (ADR) that monitors drug safety. This is especially the case with regard to certain medications in the workplace. Since the 1950s an elaborate system has been in place to maintain certain procedures that monitor controlled clinical trials that are randomized and double-blind. The Food and Drug Administration also enforces a regulatory system that requires drugs to meet specific standards prior to approval. Reports of ADRs are largely dependent on timely feedback from physicians, pharmacists, and other practitioners involved in dispensing drugs to the public. The pharmaceutical industry is heavily monitored and must adhere to specific guidelines and regulations. However, the epidemiologic intelligence system still contains overreporting and underreporting biases, and selective reporting is also a problem. The effective use of information from epidemiologic intelligence methods regarding the safety of drugs in the workplace is not easy to achieve, in light of objectives to protect both the worker and the work environment. One problem is ascertainment; establishing that a worker actually experienced an adverse drug reaction in the workplace is difficult. Many workers may be unaware of an adverse reaction or may be reluctant to report one to their employers. Accountability is another problem; suspected medication problems may also not be adequately reported by health care workers. Also, the correct organization of data once an ADR is identified is another problem area. The author recommends that these three areas receive more attention and that a more comprehensive epidemiologic monitoring system for the workplace needs to be developed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1990
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Medication and the work environment
Article Abstract:
Therapeutic drugs represent between 6 and 11 percent of all health costs in the US, and their use is increasing along with costs of hospital care and physician services. The use of prescription and other drug medications in this country is enormous. Approximately 50 percent of the adult population takes a some type of medication regularly and over 1.5 billion prescriptions were filled in 1988. Three of the most common types of therapeutic drugs are anti-infective agents, cardiovascular drugs, and analgesics. It is safe to assume that a substantial portion of the work force is taking medication on the job. However, there has been little research concerning the prevalence of these drugs in the workplace. Adverse side effects of drugs may be a result of dosage errors or alterations, or be may those normally associated with the drug. A common side effect is drowsiness, and allergic reactions may occur that can be life-threatening. Some other common adverse drug reactions are agitation, confusion, depression, dizziness, fatigue, and hallucinations. Because many individuals are taking more than one medication, the possibility of adverse drug interactions is a problem. It is feasible that either the direct effects of or adverse reactions to medications that are taken by workers could result in safety hazards or diminished performance on the job. There have been no studies published that directly examine these issues. The physician specializing in occupational medicine should be aware of drug side effects, especially the less frequent ones that are associated with therapeutic medications. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1990
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Metabolics and biologicals in the workplace
Article Abstract:
Although there are over 800 commercial drug preparations that are frequently taken by many Americans, very little information is available on the effect of these medications upon job performance. Estimates of drug use have been made based on patient office visits; antibiotics and hormones are the most frequently used, and moderate use of biologicals is reported. Over 420 different commercial antibiotics are currently available; they generally do not result in serious side effects, although there are some exceptions. Some major side effects of antibiotics are hearing and balance disturbances, and kidney and neurological impairments. Common biologicals include hepatitis B, measles virus, and polio vaccines. Side effects associated with these vaccines are swelling at injection site, headache, fever, and fatigue. In general, allergic reaction is the primary serious complication of these drugs. Hormones such as glucocorticoids are often prescribed to reduce inflammation on a short-term basis. The use of progestogen-estrogen compounds is also common, and they are associated with serious cardiovascular complications such as thrombosis (blood clot), stroke, or heart attack. A strategy to prevent drug-induced performance decrements is presented. This involves surveillance of a defined working population and determination of the performance impairments within this population. Problems that may be a result of medications need to be anticipated. Careful monitoring in conjunction with the employee's doctor is stressed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1990
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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