This year, 384 reports of possible drug side effects have been received in Latvia

This year, 384 reports of possible drug side effects have been received in Latvia, the LETA agency informed the State Agency of Medicines (ZVA).

The most frequently reported issues include general health disturbances and reactions at the site of drug administration, gastrointestinal disturbances, as well as skin and subcutaneous tissue reactions.

Among the most commonly reported individual side effects are nausea and diarrhea, as well as fatigue and itching.

This week, the International Drug Safety Week is taking place worldwide, with this year's slogan being "Don't ignore possible drug side effects - report them!" The ZVA encourages residents and healthcare professionals to continue paying attention to possible drug side effects and not to hesitate to report them.

The ZVA emphasizes that it is sufficient to have suspicions for reporting, and there is no need to be certain about the connection between the drugs and the possible side effect. The agency also calls for reporting health disturbances that occur when using drugs contrary to the instructions for use, such as overdosing or using them incorrectly.

Reports can be submitted by filling out the electronic reporting form on the ZVA website "www.zva.gov.lv", in the section "For patients and the public", selecting "Medicines" and "Report drug side effects."