E-drug: Vision abnormalities linked to Artemether Injection
-----------------------------------------------------------
[The WHO Uppsala Monitoring Centre (www.who-umc.org) could also be approached for their assistance. However, if any E-druggers can help with this request - DB]
Dear E-druggers
The Pharmacovigilance Centre in Sudan has recieved an ADR report linking the use of artemether injection (artemesinin derivative used in the treatment of complicated malaria) with vision abnormalities. If any of you had came across such case, we would be very grateful to receive your information.
Salah Eldin OSMAN BSc, MSc
Head of the Post Marketing Surviellance Department
National Medicines and Poisons Board, MOH
P O Box 218 Khartoum, Sudan
Tel: +249 155 880842 - 880271 - 880295
Fax: +249 183 482250
slhph@hotmail.com
salahosman@nmpb.gov.sd
E-Drug: Vision abnormalities linked to Artemether Injection (2)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Dear All
There is one report in the WHO international database of spontaneous reports
linking artemether to visual disorders. It is from Thailand and from 1997
and it links artemether with visual impairment.
As we all know there is huge under-reporting of adverse drug reactions and
probably more so in countries where the use of artemether injection is
highest. Further, transferring of reports from countries to WHO may be
delayed.
Visual disorders relating to artemether or other artemisinin derivatives are
not mentioned in standard reference sources. However, remember that absence
of evidence is not evidence of absence.
Regards
Kirsten Myhr, MScPharm, MPH
Senior advisor
RELIS Medicines Info and Pharmacovigilance Centre
Oslo University Hospital
Ulleval Hospital
kirsten.myhr[at]oslo-universitetssykehus.no
www.relis.no (try Google translate!)
E-drug: Vision abnormalities linked to Artemether Injection (4)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Salah Eldin,
The Therapeutics Information and Pharmacovigilance center (TIPC) in Namibia,
has received only one report of "Dizziness characterized by blurred vision"
associated to Arthemether + Lumefantrine tablets.
But probably, there is under-reporting on this matter.
Thanks for sharing your case with us.
Elena Moreno
Medicine Information Pharmacist.
Therapeutics Information and Pharmacovigilance Center (TIPC)/MoHSS
Tel.+264 061 203 23 12 Fax. 088 618 776
Email: info@tipc.com.na
Windhoek Central Hospital.
Room 21,Basement Area.
Private Bag 13198. Windhoek