The Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) site
(http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpfb-dgpsa/tpd-dpt/cadrmp-pcseim/index_e.html)
is a service of the Canadian federal government. The site was
created to provide information about prescription and over-the-counter
drugs, natural products such as vitamins, and vaccines with a view to
helping Canadians avoid dangerous side effects and drug
interactions. The site is published by Health Canada and deals
only with products available for sale in Canada; however, since most
items would also be available abroad, the site could be useful to
citizens of other countries as well. As required by Canadian law,
information is provided in both English and French wherever it is
available in both languages.
The user is able to search the drug product database by company name,
product name, active ingredient, drug identification number (DIN), or
active ingredient group number; this search will provide basic
information about the drug, including manufacturer. Before
performing the first search of the adverse reactions database, the user
must read through the instruction page and click to indicate that he
understands the limitations and purpose of the site.
In addition to the drug product database, the site contains health
advisories and warnings, Canadian government health directives and
forms, and information about the Special Access Program which allows
doctors to gain access to medical devices not yet approved for sale in
Canada for use in emergencies or when conventional treatments have
failed. It is also possible to use the site to report an adverse
reaction.
One section of the site provides statements of government policies
concerning health products. Not only do these statements serve as
guidance for the industry, but they also provide consumers with
information which helps them determine their rights.
The site also has a subscription service. By signing up, the
consumer can receive drug advisories and other health news items
automatically by e-mail.
Without medical training, this web site can be heavy going, but used
properly, it could help consumers make informed choices. It is a
useful addition to the world wide web, particularly for residents of
Canada.