Pharmacists’ Experiences on Adverse Drug Reactions in Saudi Arabia

Background and objectives: In Saudi Arabia, the evidence regarding pharmacists' experiences with adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in their daily practice is limited. It is crucial to comprehend their viewpoints to enhance patient safety and optimize pharmaceutical care. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether pharmacists could identify ADRs during their daily routines and to determine the actions they took once the ADRs were identified. Methods: This study was questionnaire-based and conducted between July 2024 and August 2024. Registered pharmacists employed at hospitals or community pharmacies in Saudi Arabia comprised the population. Results: The study involved 305 pharmacists, including 169 hospital/clinical pharmacists (HCPs, 55.4%) and 136 community pharmacists (CPs, 44.6%). A majority (n = 251, 82.3%) indicated direct patient encounters, while 67.2% (n = 205) reported observing suspected ADRs in the preceding 12 months. No significant difference in ADR types was seen between HCPs and CPs; however, cefuroxime (HCP = 17, CP = 1) and vancomycin (HCP = 23, CP = 2) exhibited a significant association with ADRs (p < 0.001). Most respondents filed ADR reports to the SFDA/NPC (HCP = 103, CP = 60) and hospital drug information centers (HCP = 89, CP = 64), with online forms being the favored mode (HCP = 122, CP = 96). Awareness of ADR reporting procedures was reported by 128 HCPs and 80 CPs. Conclusion: More than two-thirds of participants reported practicing ADR reporting, with greater adherence observed in hospital settings. Pharmacists predominantly depend on the Saudi Food and Drug Administration/National Pharmacovigilance Centre and hospital drug information centers for reporting, with a preference for online submission methods. Targeted educational interventions addressing the identified knowledge gaps could further improve ADR reporting practices