Treated adverse effects of drugs in an ambulatory population.

Adverse drug reactions represent an area of concern in the delivery of medical care. Current data available indicating the nature and extent of the problem of adverse drug reactions are recognized as inadequate for policy making. This study contributes new information about the adverse effects of drugs treated in an outpatient population. The findings showed that the adverse effects of oral contraceptives accounted for a large share of medical care contacts, procedures rendered, and estimated dollars expended. The incidence and prevalence rates indicated relatively few persons among the population were treated for adverse effects of drugs. Annual costs to the medical care system of treating adverse drug effects were estimated to be $.83 per person. Additional information is needed about adverse drug reactions if strategies and approaches to deal with adverse effects of drugs are to be efficient and effective.