The number of "adverse drug reaction" reports submitted by doctors and other professionals is steadily rising, according to the Irish Medicines Board.
The board's annual report for 2002, published yesterday, shows that 1,661 ADRs were received last year, compared with 2,282 in 2001.
But the IMB says the 2001 figure was strongly boosted by "stimulated reporting" after the introduction of the meningitis C immunisation campaign.
"When adjustment is made for these reports, the overall figure for 2002 represents a continued, steady increase in the volume of ADR reports received."
No drugs were withdrawn for safety reasons in 2002. But the board welcomes the trend in ADRs as proof of increased awareness of "pharmacovigilence" by healthcare professionals.
The largest category of reporters of ADRS were "marketing authorisation holders" - the drug manufacturers - who were responsible for 30.6 per cent.
GPs contributed almost 20 per cent, conductors of clinical trials 18.4 per cent, and community care doctors 14 per cent. Community pharmacists were responsible for 5.4 per cent.
