EVALUATION OF ADVERSE EFFECTS DUE TO ANTIDIABETIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is a significant burden to the present society, associated with various co-morbid conditions like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, etc.  A number of drugs are available to handle these health problems successfully. However, therapeutic success of such diseases is limited due to adverse effects of drugs or medicines. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cases of adverse events due to these medications. Methods: An observational study on patients attending the Out Patient Department (OPD) of R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, for a period of 8 months (September 2014- April 2015). Adverse drug events due to the use of anti-diabetic and cardiovascular drugs were collected and evaluated. Result: Present study revealed that, out of the total 48 adverse event reports collected in patients using anti-diabetic and cardiovascular drugs, 66.7% may be due to anti-diabetic drugs and 31.25% may be due to cardiovascular drugs. The prevalence of adverse effects due to antidiabetics was more in female (62.5%) as compared to male (37.5%). 40.63% of the patients suffering from adverse effects predicted due to antidiabetics, were in the age group of 36-45 years. Metformin was the most common antidiabetic drug, may be responsible for 87.5% of the adverse events. Antihypertensives may be associated with 93.33% of the cases of adverse effects in cardiovascular disease, causing mostly gastrointestinal problems. Conclusion: It may be concluded that it is essential to investigate the adverse effects of these drugs, to identify the causative agent, to ensure safe therapy.