BC-CfE Pharmacovigilance Program
The BC-CfE is committed to patient safety and has been a leader in the discovery of antiretroviral drug toxicities. With new antiretroviral drugs coming on the market, adverse drug reaction monitoring is more important than ever. The BC-CfE provides a pharmacovigilance program to track and report drug toxicities. All healthcare providers and patients can support patient safety by reporting adverse reactions to antiretroviral drugs through the BC-CfE Pharmacovigilance Program.
Confidentiality
Reports submitted to the BC-CfE Pharmacovigilance Program are identified by patient name so the adverse reaction can be linked to the patient's HIV drug profile. The adverse reaction reports and database are handled with the same high level of security as prescriptions for HIV drugs. Patient names and other identifying information are NOT included in program reports or alerts.
Disclaimer: The Pharmacovigilance Program does not provide direct patient care.
Before You Submit a Report
Patients
When you submit an adverse reaction report to the BC-CfE Pharmacovigilance Program, your doctor will NOT automatically receive a copy of this report. It is very important to tell your doctor about any health problems you are having.
If you think you are having a reaction to your HIV medications, or are having problems taking your medications, see your doctor or consult your pharmacist as soon as possible. If you are having a severe reaction, call an ambulance (phone 911). In most cases, you should keep taking your medications until you get advice from a doctor or pharmacist who specializes in HIV care. Pharmacists at the St. Paul's Hospital Ambulatory Pharmacy are available to provide HIV medication advice to patients and health care providers (phone: 1-888-511-6222). Regular service hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After hours, a pharmacist is on call for emergency situations.
Physicians and Other Health Care Providers
BC-CfE Pharmacovigilance Program personnel can assist health care providers by providing information about known or emerging antiretroviral-related drug toxicities. Pharmacovigilance personnel can NOT provide specific case-management advice or release patient-specific information.
For advice on prescribing HIV medication, consult:
- Physician consultation (24-hour infectious disease consultation service): 1-800-665-7677
- Pharmacist consultation (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; after hours for emergency situations): 1-888-511-6222
