Tunisia's National Center for Pharmacovigilance has recorded over 4,000 cases of adverse drug reactions out of 7,500 consultations conducted from January to October. The center's director-general, Riadh Daghfous, stated that this number reflects a growing awareness among citizens and healthcare professionals about the importance of monitoring medication side effects. He emphasized that over 90% of reported cases are not serious.
The most frequently reported symptoms include allergic skin reactions and abnormal laboratory results related to liver and kidney functions, as well as cases involving patients with chronic diseases. Daghfous explained that some symptoms initially attributed to medications were later found to be caused by food, viral infections, or the use of unsuitable cosmetic products. This highlights the complexity of tracking adverse reactions and the need for thorough evaluations.
In 2025, the center reported approximately 4,300 cases of adverse drug reactions out of 8,578 consultations. It also provided services to 400 pregnant women to assess the potential effects of medications on fetal development. These numbers demonstrate the center's ongoing efforts to monitor and address medication safety concerns.
Daghfous warned against purchasing medications and supplements from social media or unauthorized distributors, citing concerns about their composition and potential health risks. He also advised against self-medication and taking antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications without medical supervision. These warnings aim to promote responsible medication use and minimize adverse reactions.
The National Center for Pharmacovigilance, based in Tunis, currently employs 18 doctors and operates under the Ministry of Health. Its primary mission is to monitor the safety of medications, vaccines, and cosmetic products after they enter the market. By tracking adverse reactions, the center aims to evaluate risks and prevent public health consequences.
To improve its services, the center is developing a telemedicine project to reduce travel requirements for citizens living in remote areas. This initiative will complement the center's existing regional units and centers in Sousse, Sfax, Monastir, Bizerte, and Nabeul. By expanding its reach, the center hopes to enhance medication safety and support for patients across Tunisia.
The center's efforts focus on rationalizing medication use and promoting public health. By monitoring adverse reactions and providing guidance, it aims to minimize risks and optimize treatment outcomes. As the center continues to develop its services, it will play a vital role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medications in Tunisia.
Key points
- Over 4,000 cases of adverse drug reactions reported in Tunisia from January to October.
- The National Center for Pharmacovigilance warns against purchasing medications from unauthorized sources.
- The center is developing a telemedicine project to improve access to its services.
