The management of adverse drug reactions: from diagnosis to signal.

Severe adverse reactions (ADR) are uncommon and benefits of drug treatment usually outweigh the disadvantages. Definitions and guidelines for managing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are proposed mainly with the aim of helping to keep the possibility of ADR at the front of our minds and making the right diagnosis. As spontaneous reporting is a cornerstone in post-marketing surveillance, the reasons for under-reporting are thoroughly analysed. Finally, a reminder is given that communication of information should be encouraged within the medical community and that everyone who is involved in the treatment of patients has an active part to play in the network of pharmacovigilance.