Exploring the Knowledge and Practices of Adverse Drug Reaction and Falsified Medicine Reporting Amongst the Community Pharmacists of India

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and falsified medicines (FMs) pose significant threat to patient safety and public health. Understanding the knowledge, experiences, and perspectives of community pharmacists in India regarding ADRs and FMs is crucial for effective intervention and prevention strategies. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, experiences, and perspectives of community pharmacists in India regarding ADRs and FMs. It sought to gather information on pharmacists' familiarity with the threats posed by ADRs and FMs, their understanding of relevant legislation, their personal encounters with ADRs and FMs, and their views on the distribution of FMs and the adequacy of existing legislation. Method: A survey was conducted among community pharmacists in India, and data were collected using a questionnaire. The survey included questions related to knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on ADRs and FMs. The responses were analysed to identify trends and key findings. Results: The analysis revealed that a significant majority of pharmacists demonstrated a fundamental understanding of ADRs and FMs. However, a relatively low percentage reported encountering ADRs as well as FMs in their practice, with an equally low proportion reporting these incidents to the appropriate authorities Majority of pharmacists believed that they plan an important role in reporting of ADRs but only half of the pharmacists’ surveyed things that they plan an important role in tackling the issue of FMs. Conclusion: The research highlights that community pharmacists in India have a good understanding of Pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting, although knowledge of Indian legislation needs improvement. Pharmacists demonstrate a positive attitude towards ADR reporting and promptly report encountered ADRs and FMs. Patient education, convenience of the reporting system, and strengthening FM legislation are areas that require attention. Major sources of FM distribution are online pharmacies and street hawkers. These findings contribute to enhancing pharmacovigilance practices and addressing FM distribution in India.