Increasing threat to man as a result of frequently uncontrolled and widespread use of various drugs.

Consumption of drugs is steadily increasing. The reasons for this could be the diminished threshold level of acceptable sufferings, increased expectations about health, the psychological effects of a medical prescription, publicity, consumer society attitude in respect to drugs and polipharmacy. Overexposure to drugs increases the risk of precipitating drug adverse reactions. This could be avoided in many cases by non-administration of an unnecessary drug. The frequency and consequences of drug adverse reactions are considerable, and WHO plays an import role in collecting data and facilitating the exchange of informations in that area.