Iatrogénie médicamenteuse

Drug-induced iatrogenic diseases involve the pharmacovigilance system, the medication errors and the lack of efficacy. The aim of pharmacovigilance is examination of adverse drug reactions (ADR). The French pharmacovigilance system is based on the regional drug monitoring centres, a prescriber notification obligation, a dedicated unit of the French Agency, a 'Comité Technique' and a 'Commission Nationale' of pharmacovigilance. This system has been created for detecting quickly and managing all new safety problems related to drugs. Modifications of the summary of product characteristics are usually performed to reduce occurrence and/or severity of ADR. Dear doctor letters and press releases are essentially used for prescriber information. Medication errors are frequent and well known but usually mismanaged by the health authorities. They include prescription, transcription, dispensation and/or administration errors. Medication errors would be better examined regarding recent new official rules for their management. Lack of efficacy of a drug may involve a patient or a lot of patients. Prescribers are involved for individual approach but national agencies are required for population approach in order to manage lack of efficacy. Drug-induced iatrogenic diseases remain a serious health problem which requires anticipation for its management. Detection and improvement of avoidance may be useful for patients and prescribers.