Pharmacovigilance-based drug repurposing: The search for inverse signals via OpenVigil identifies putative drugs against viral respiratory infections

Assessment of distributions and gender difference in adverse events related to faricimab: a real-world study based on FDA adverse event reporting system

BACKGROUND

Faricimab is a novel bispecific antibody drug for treating retinal disease. We aim to study the adverse events of faricimab based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The FAERS data from 2020 to 2024 was extracted to conduct disproportionality analysis. The risk signals were mined by using reporting odds ratio (ROR) and proportional reporting ratio (PRR).

RESULTS

A total of 1401 cases with adverse events were reported. Eye disorders were the most frequent AEs. New ocular AEs were identified, such as diplopia, metamorphopsia, blindness transient, visual field defect, subretinal fibrosis. New non-ocular AEs were also found such as cellulitis, acute respiratory failure, end stage renal disease, proteinuria, nephropathy, VIth nerve paralysis, and deafness. It was found that there is a difference between men and women on the ocular adverse events. Adverse events happened in the initial month of the treatment, but mostly happened between the 91 to 180 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Faricimab have ocular and non-ocular adverse events, in which some ocular adverse events differ across genders. Important potential adverse events should be considered in the clinical practice to provide better individualized treatment.

Adverse events associated with brolucizumab: a disproportionality analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS)

BACKGROUND

The safety information of brolucizumab primarily comes from clinical trials experience. This study aimed to explore the ocular and systemic adverse events (AEs) associated with brolucizumab among real-world patients through data mining the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

METHODS

AE reports submitted to the FAERS database between October 2019 and March 2023 were extracted. The reporting odds ratio was used to evaluate AE signals associated with brolucizumab.

RESULTS

There were 4,380,839 AE reports extracted from the FAERS database, and 3,313 of which were with brolucizumab as primary suspected. A total of 150 ocular AE signals were identified. Ninety-nine were known ocular AEs listed in brolucizumab' label, primarily including vision-related AEs, intraocular infections, and retinal disorders. Fifty-one were unexpected ocular AE signals, including keratic precipitates, retinal perivascular sheathing, dry eye, glaucoma, etc. Meanwhile, several serious systemic AE signals, including arterial thromboembolic events and rhinorrhea, were also identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Several unexpected ocular and systemic AE signals associated with brolucizumab were identified through data mining of the FAERS database.

Safety Profile of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Real-World Settings: A Pharmacovigilance Study Based on FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

BACKGROUND

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed agents to treat depression. Considering the growth in antidepressant prescription rates, SSRI-induced adverse events (AEs) need to be comprehensively clarified.

OBJECTIVE

This study was to investigate safety profiles and potential AEs associated with SSRIs using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

METHODS

A retrospective pharmacovigilance analysis was conducted using the FAERS database, with Open Vigil 2.1 used for data extraction. The study included cases from the marketing date of each SSRI (ie, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, and sertraline) to April 30, 2023. We employed the reporting odds ratio and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network as analytical tools to assess the association between SSRIs and AEs. The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities was used to standardize the definition of AEs. AE classification was achieved using system organ classes (SOCs).

RESULTS

Overall, 427 655 AE reports were identified for the 6 SSRIs, primarily associated with 25 SOCs, including psychiatric, nervous system, congenital, familial, genetic, cardiac, and reproductive disorders. Notably, sertraline (n = 967) and fluvoxamine (n = 169) exhibited the highest and lowest signal frequencies, respectively. All SSRIs had relatively strong signals related to congenital, psychiatric, and nervous disorders.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Most of our findings are consistent with those reported previously, but some AEs were not previously identified. However, AEs attributed to SSRIs remain ambiguous, warranting further validation. Applying data-mining methods to the FAERS database can provide additional insights that can assist in appropriately utilizing SSRIs.

A national analysis of systemic adverse events of beta-blockers used for glaucoma therapy

PURPOSE

To evaluate systemic complications for timolol, carteolol, levobunolol, and/or betaxalol by using an FDA Federal Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

METHODS

We evaluated FAERS for adverse events associated with β-blocker use for glaucoma. All reported symptoms were reviewed to identify systemic adverse events and to detect safety signals, defined as information on a new or known side effect that may be caused by a medicine. We used the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), empirical Bayes geometric mean (EBGM), and information component (IC) as a part of a disproportionality analysis comparing the frequency of β-blocker symptoms with all other adverse event reports. We considered a signal to be detected when all four disproportionality analysis metrics were positive.

RESULTS

We found 10,500,309 total adverse event reports from the FAERS database 2004-2022Q3, which included 8,793 case reports with a primary suspect of a β-blocker use for glaucoma. 1,838 unique adverse symptoms were reported were associated with β-blocker. Regarding outcomes, there were 165 (1.88%) reports of disability, 671 (7.63%) reports of hospitalisation, and 1,934 (21.99%) reports of some other unspecified complication. Regarding adverse events, the most reported general, cardiac, and respiratory symptoms were respectively dizziness (n = 281), bradycardia (n = 145), and dyspnoea (n = 195). 256 (2.91%) cases of death were reported. We found significant signals on bradycardia (n = 145), complete atrioventricular block (n = 38), and bronchospasm (n = 23). No allergic, endocrine, constitutional, or gastrointestinal symptoms generated positive signals.

CONCLUSION

β-blocker use in glaucoma therapy can be rarely associated with serious systemic and life-threatening complications.

Blind Spots in Therapy: Unveiling Drug-Induced Angle-Closure Glaucoma Through a National Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To identify and quantify medications causing angle-closure glaucoma through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

DESIGN

National retrospective database analysis.

SUBJECTS

There were 11 737 133 total adverse event reports from the FDA Federal Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database 2004 to third quarter of 2023 (2023Q3), which included 1629 reports of angle-closure glaucoma.

METHODS

Drugs associated with reports of angle-closure glaucoma were identified in FAERS through disproportionality analysis MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To ascertain if these reports yielded statistically significant signals, we used the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), empirical Bayes geometric mean (EBGM), and information component (IC). We considered a signal to be detected when all 4 disproportionality analysis metrics were positive.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 1629 adverse event reports linked to 611 suspected drugs over the course of 20 years (2004-2023Q3). Frequently reported drugs included topiramate (520 reports) and citalopram (69 reports), amongst many others. Eighteen medications yielded a positive signal, including lesser-known medications like olanzapine, phentermine, and ranibizumab. Tropicamide exhibited the most robust statistical significance (n = 18; PRR: 164.263; ROR [95% confidence interval {CI}]: 167.95 [104.994-268.655]; EBGM [EBGM05]: 162.421 [109.5]; IC [IC05]: 7.344 [4.591]), while acetazolamide was the second strongest (n = 51; PRR: 113.088; ROR 95% CI: 114.782 [86.665-152.021]; EBGM [EBGM05]: 109.506 [86.501]; IC [IC05]: 6.775 [5.115]).

CONCLUSIONS

Drug-induced glaucoma included both well-known medications such as topiramate as well as lesser-known medications such as olanzapine, phentermine, and ranibizumab. Clinician awareness of these findings is important.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Real-world safety profile of eculizumab: an analysis of FDA adverse event reporting system and systematic review of case reports

BACKGROUND

Most of the safety data regarding eculizumab came from clinical trials, while its safety information in the real world is still limited.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The data of eculizumab in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database (from the first quarter of 2007 to the first quarter of 2023) was collected and analyzed. The case reports of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) related to eculizumab in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science before May 2023 were systematically reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 464 ADRs of eculizumab were identified in the FAERS database. The top five ADRs with the highest proportional reporting ratio (PRR) are total complement activity decreased, extravascular hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, total complement activity increased and breakthrough hemolysis. Fifty-one cases of ADR related to eculizumab were identified from 44 publications. The number of reported cases of eculizumab associated Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in case reports was observed to be comparable to the number of cases of Neisseria meningitidis infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians must pay close attention to the risk of infections in patients receiving eculizumab, including severe N. meningitidis infection and other potentially fatal infections such as N. gonorrhoeae infection. In addition, The possible emergence of new ADRs should be vigilant during clinical medication.

Are Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonists Being Used in Infants?

Purpose: To identify and quantify adverse events (AEs) associated with alpha-2 adrenergic agonists prescribed for the treatment of glaucoma in infants. Methods: We queried the Federal Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from 2004-2023Q1 for AE reports related to brimonidine use in patients aged 12 months or younger. We then conducted a disproportionality analysis using data mining algorithms, including the reporting odds ratio, proportional reporting ratio, empirical bayes geometric mean, and information component to identify significant symptoms. Results: We identified 35 unique AE reports associated with brimonidine. Of these, 27 cases involved hospitalization, 13 cases involved life-threatening complications, 18 cases reported other complications, and 1 case involved a congenital anomaly. The most commonly reported AE was hypotonia, occurring in 20 cases. This was followed by other systemic symptoms, including hypothermia, depressed level of consciousness, lethargy, general toxicity, and pallor, among others. All symptoms were found to be significant in the disproportionality analysis. Notably, most cases were not known to involve an ophthalmic route of exposure. Conclusions: The use of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists in infants aged 1 year or younger has been associated with various systemic AEs, including hypotension, respiratory depression, and central nervous system depression. Ophthalmologists should be aware of these potential risks. Further, more rigorous warnings should be in place to prevent unintentional exposure of infants to brimonidine.

Differences in hypersensitivity reactions and gadolinium deposition disease/symptoms associated with gadolinium exposure to gadolinium-based contrast agents: new insights based on global databases VigiBase, FAERS, and IQVIA-MIDAS

BACKGROUND

Hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) can occur unexpectedly and be life-threatening when gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are used. Gadolinium deposition disease (GDD) and symptoms associated with gadolinium exposure (SAGE) have been controversial for a long time. However, similar studies are currently incomplete or outdated. Therefore, comparing the safety of different GBCAs in terms of HSRs and GDD/SAGE using the latest post-marketing safety data should yield further insights into safely using GBCAs.

METHODS

The safety differences between all GBCAs to GDD and the spectrum of GBCA-related HSRs were all compared and analyzed by using the World Health Organization database VigiBase and the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database in this study. A further analysis of SAGE was also conducted using FAERS data. The lower limit of the reporting odds ratio (ROR) 95% confidence interval was used for signal detection. Moreover, the frequency of HSRs was calculated by dividing the number of reports in VigiBase by the total sales volume (measured in millions) from 2008 to 2022 in the IQVIA Multinational Integrated Data Analysis System. All adverse events were standardized using the Medical Dictionary for Drug Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) 26.0.

RESULTS

This study shows that all GBCAs have the potential to induce HSRs, with nonionic linear GBCAs exhibiting a comparatively lower signal. According to standardized MedDRA query stratification analysis, gadobutrol had a greater ROR025 for angioedema. The ROR025 of gadobenate dimeglumine and gadoteridol is larger for anaphylactic/anaphylactoid shock conditions. Regarding severe cutaneous adverse reactions, only gadoversetamide and gadodiamide showed signals in FAERS and VigiBase. There were also differences in the frequency of HSRs between regions. Regarding GDD, gadoterate meglumine, and gadoteridol had a lower ROR025. An analysis of the 29 preferred terms linked to SAGE indicated that special consideration should be given to the risk of skin induration associated with gadoversetamide, gadopentetate dimeglumine, gadobenate dimeglumine, gadodiamide, and gadoteridol. Additionally, gadodiamide and gadoteridol pose a greater risk of skin tightness compared to other GBCAs.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk differences among GBCAs using data from several sources were compared in this study. However, as a hypothesis-generating method, a clear causal relationship would require further research and validation.

Data mining and safety analysis of dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs): a real-world pharmacovigilance study based on the FAERS database

Objective

Using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, four signal detection methods were applied to mine adverse drug events (ADEs) related to use of dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) to provide reference for safe clinical use.

Research design and Methods

Data collected from Q3rd 2014 to Q4th 2023 were obtained from the FAERS database. According to the preferred terminology (PT) and systematic organ classification (SOC) of MedDRA v.26.0, the reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS), and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) were used to detect ADE signals.

Results

A total of 11,857 DORAs-related adverse reactions were detected, reported with suvorexant, lemborexant, and daridorexant as the main suspected drugs was 8717584, and 2556, respectively. A higher proportion of females than males were reported (57.27% vs. 33.04%). The top 20 positive PT signals from three DORAs showed that "sleep paralysis" ranked first. "Brain fog" was stronger following daridorexant but was not detected for the other two drugs, and "sleep sex" and "dyssomnia" were stronger in suvorexant but not in the other two drugs. Additionally, some PTs occurred that were not included in drug instructions, such as "hangover" and "hypnagogic hallucination."

Conclusion

In this study, four algorithms (ROR, PRR, BCPNN, and MGPS) were used to mine the safety signals of DORAs. We identified some potential ADE signals that can promote the rational use of DORAs and improve their safety.

Drug-induced hypoglycemia: a disproportionality analysis of the FAERS database

BACKGROUND

Hypoglycemia is an adverse event (AE) that cannot be ignored in clinical practice. This study aimed to identify the most common and top drugs associated with the risk of hypoglycemia based on the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used OpenVigil 2.1 pharmacovigilance analytics platform to query FAERS database and data from 2004 to 2023 were retrieved. The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) was used to identify hypoglycemia cases, and DrugBank database was used to determine drug generic names.

RESULTS

A total of 11,155,106 AEs reports were identified, of which 28,443 (0.25%) were related to hypoglycemia. Metformin (6926 cases) was associated with most cases of hypoglycemia. According to the disproportionality analysis, the top five drugs with the highest ROR and PRR were penamecillin, nikethamide, sotagliflozin, norethandrolone, glimepiride/pioglitazone. Nineteen of the top 50 drugs did not have hypoglycemia indicated in the package insert.

CONCLUSIONS

By analyzing the FAERS database, we listed drugs with a strong hypoglycemic signal for which the label does not provide a reminder. Notably, the potential hypoglycemia risks are of great importance and should be closely monitored in medical practice.

A pharmacovigilance study on drug-induced liver injury associated with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) based on the food and drug administration adverse event reporting system

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the association between drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) by comprehensively evaluating spontaneous reports submitted to the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database from 2004Q1 to 2022Q3.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

All DILI cases with ADCs as primary suspected drugs were extracted from the FAERS database from 2004Q1 to 2022Q3 using OpenVigil 2.1. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) and the proportional reporting ratio (PRR) for reporting the association between different drugs and DILI risk were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 504 DILI cases were attributed to ADCs during the study period. Patients with ADCs-related DILI (n = 504) had a mean age of 56.2 ± 18.4 years, with 167 cases not reporting patients' age. Females and males comprised 42.5% and 44.0% of the cases, respectively, while there was no information on gender in 13.5% of the cases. The DILI signals were detected in trastuzumab emtansine, enfortumab vedotin, brentuximab vedotin, polatuzumab vedotin, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, inotuzumab ozogamicin, and trastuzumab deruxtecan.

CONCLUSIONS

The FAERS data mining suggested an association between DILI and some ADCs. Further studies are warranted to unraveling the underlying mechanisms and taking preventive measures for ADCs-related DILI.

Hemorrhagic events associated with tacrolimus: a real-world pharmacovigilance study

BACKGROUND

Tacrolimus is a potent macrolide immunosuppressant frequently used to prevent graft rejection in organ transplantation. Despite the known side effect of hemorrhage, there are no extensive descriptive series of patients who experience hemorrhage events associated with tacrolimus. We sought to review and describe tacrolimus-related hemorrhage events reported by healthcare professionals to the United States Food and Drug Association Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

METHODS

The FAERS database (2004q1-2022q4) was retrospectively analyzed to characterize reporting of hemorrhage adverse events (AEs) with tacrolimus. Subgroup analysis was completed on the hemorrhage.

RESULTS

A total of 75,310 tacrolimus-associated AEs were identified, of which 1,511 cases met specific inclusion/exclusion criteria with most occurring in the gastrointestinal tract (422 cases, 27.93% of all included cases). Death was reported in 558 patients (36.93% of hemorrhage cases), the most of which occurred in cases of brain hemorrhage (219 cases, 39.25% of death cases). Among definitive organ transplants, renal transplant was the most common indication for tacrolimus (62 cases, 4.10%) followed by bone marrow transplant (44 cases, 2.91%) and liver transplant (30 cases, 1.99%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents the largest collective description of tacrolimus-related hemorrhage events. We additionally described a number of previously unreported tacrolimus-related hemorrhage events.

Salbutamol, a Short Acting Beta-2 Agonist, Reduces Risk and Improves Prognosis of Prostate Cancer

OBJECTIVES

Beta-blockers, a class of drugs commonly used to manage blood pressure, have been the subject of research regarding their relationship to prostate cancer (PC) risk, prognosis, and treatment. Beta-blockers reduce risk and improve the prognosis of PC. Perioperative use of a nonselective beta-blocker improves outcomes after radical prostatectomy. However, a related class of drugs, beta-2 adrenergic agonists, has received little attention in PC.

METHODS

We studied the relationship of the beta-2 adrenergic agonist salbutamol to PC risk and survival. We analyzed Food and Drug Administration MedWatch data to determine whether salbutamol could influence the risk of PC. We used UK Biobank data to assess the effect of salbutamol on PC survival.

RESULTS

Salbutamol significantly reduces PC risk, proportional reporting ratio, and 95% CI (lower bound; upper bound): 0.131 (0.11; 0.155) and improves prognosis. Mean survival was 7.35 years for subjects not taking salbutamol, and 10.5 years for subjects taking salbutamol (P = 0.041, log-rank test. To adjust for the effect of age, we performed proportional hazards regression, survival time-dependent variable, age, and salbutamol use independent variables. Salbutamol use was significantly related to survival time (P = 0.016) and independent of the significant effect of age (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We found a lower proportion of PCs in salbutamol-treated people, but we have not demonstrated that PC risk is reduced (there is no proof of causality). There is no causality relationship between salbutamol and the survival of patients with PC treated with salbutamol versus those not treated with the drug. Yet, there is a trend in favor of salbutamol-treated patient survival. Therefore, salbutamol and other beta-adrenergic agonists might represent a new class of drugs for the treatment of PC.

Repurposing of drugs against bacterial infections: A pharmacovigilance-based data mining approach

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a list of priority pathogens that urgently require research to develop new antibiotics. The main aim of the current study is to identify potential marketed drugs that can be repurposed against bacterial infections. A pharmacovigilance-based drug repurposing approach was used to identify potential drugs. OpenVigil 2.1 tool was used to query the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) < 1, ROR95CI upper bound <1, and no. of cases ≥30 were used for filtering and sorting of drugs. Sunburst plot was used to represent drugs in a hierarchical order using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification. Molecular docking and dynamics were performed using the Maestro and Desmond modules of Schrodinger 2023 software respectively. A total of 40 drugs with different classes were identified based on the pharmacovigilance approach which has antibacterial potential. The molecular docking results have shown energetically favored binding conformation of lisinopril against 3-deoxy-manno-octulosonate cytidylyltransferase, UDP-2,3-diacylglucosamine hydrolase, and penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP3) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa; olmesartan, atorvastatin against lipoteichoic acids flippase LtaA and rosiglitazone and varenicline against  d-alanine ligase of Staphylococcus aureus; valsartan against peptidoglycan deacetylase (SpPgdA) and atorvastatin against CDP-activated ribitol for teichoic acid precursors of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Further, molecular dynamic results have shown the stability of identified drugs in the active site of bacterial targets except lisinopril with PBP3. Lisinopril, olmesartan, atorvastatin, rosiglitazone, varenicline, and valsartan have been identified as potential drugs for repurposing against bacterial infection.

Adverse tumor events induced by ranitidine: an analysis based on the FAERS database

BACKGROUND

Ranitidine induced tumor adverse events remains a contradictory clinical question, due to the limited evidence of tumor risk associated with ranitidine in the real world. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of ranitidine with all types of tumors through the FAERS database and to provide a reference for clinical use.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cancer cases associated with ranitidine in the FAERS database from the first quarter of 2004 to the fourth quarter of 2023 were extracted to analyze demographic characteristics, and a disproportion analysis was performed.

RESULT

A total of 662,998 ranitidine-related cancer cases were screened, and the 50-59 and 60-69 groups accounted for the largest proportion. In PT signal detection, ranitidine was associated with 98 PT, including penal cancer stage II, gastric cancer stage II, et al. In terms of outcome events, adverse events were higher in men (20.65%) than in women (18.47%).

CONCLUSIONS

Ranitidine may induce various tumor-related adverse reactions, especially in long-term users and elderly patients. For these patients, tumor screening should be strengthened, and long-term use of ranitidine should be avoided. Since this study cannot prove causality, further evidence is needed for prospective studies with a larger sample size.

Antiviral influenza treatments and hemorrhage-related adverse events in the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there is a signal for gastrointestinal (GI) or intracranial (IC) hemorrhage associated with the use of antiviral medications for influenza in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

DESIGN

Disproportionality analysis.

DATA SOURCE

The FAERS database was searched using OpenVigil 2.1 to identify GI and IC hemorrhage events reported between 2004 and 2022.

MEASUREMENTS

Antiviral medications for influenza included the following: oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir marboxil. Hemorrhage events were identified using Standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) Queries for GI and IC hemorrhages. Reporting odds ratios (RORs) were calculated to compare the occurrence of GI and IC hemorrhage events between antiviral drugs for influenza and (i) all other medications and (ii) antibiotics. RORs were also calculated for each of the individual antiviral medications.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 245 cases of GI hemorrhage and 23 cases of IC hemorrhage were identified in association with four antivirals. In comparison with all other drugs, the RORs of GI hemorrhage for oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, baloxavir, and all antivirals combined were 1.17, 0.62, 4.44, 2.53, and 1.22, respectively, indicating potential variations in GI hemorrhage risk among the antivirals. In contrast, in comparison with all other drugs, the RORs of IC hemorrhage for oseltamivir (0.44), zanamivir (0.16), baloxavir (0.44), and all antivirals combined (0.41) were less than 1.0 which is consistent with no elevated risk of IC hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

In this study, some signals for GI hemorrhage were observed, particularly for peramivir and baloxavir marboxil. Further investigation is warranted to better understand and evaluate the potential risks of GI hemorrhage associated with antiviral treatments for influenza.

Exploring the association between weight loss-inducing medications and multiple sclerosis: insights from the FDA adverse event reporting system database

Background

Several studies have demonstrated that early childhood and adolescent obesity are risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. Obesity is thought to share inflammatory components with MS through overproduction of pro-inflammatory adipokines (e.g., leptin) and reduction of anti-inflammatory adipokines (e.g, adiponectin). Recently, drug repurposing (i.e. identifying new indications for existing drugs) has garnered significant attention. The US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database serves not only as a resource for mining adverse drug reactions and safety signals but also for identifying inverse associations and potential medication repurposing opportunities.

Objective

We aimed to explore the association between weight-loss-inducing drugs and MS using real-world reports from the FAERS database.

Design

Secondary analysis of existing data from the FAERS database.

Methods

We conducted a disproportionality analysis using the FAERS database between the fourth quarter of 2003 and the second quarter of 2023 to explore associations between MS and weight loss-inducing drugs. Disproportionality was quantified using the reporting odds ratio (ROR). An inverse association was defined when the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for ROR was <1.

Results

We found an inverse association between MS and anti-diabetic weight loss-inducing drugs including semaglutide (ROR: 0.238; 95% CI: 0.132-0.429), dulaglutide (ROR: 0.165; 95% CI: 0.109-0.248), liraglutide (ROR: 0.161; 95% CI: 0.091-0.284), empagliflozin (ROR: 0.234; 95% CI: 0.146-0.377), and metformin (ROR: 0.387; 95% CI: 0.340-0.440). No inverse associations were found for other weight loss-inducing drugs such as phentermine, bupropion, topiramate, zonisamide, and amphetamine. An exception was naltrexone (ROR: 0.556; 95% CI: 0.384-0.806).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a potential consideration for repurposing anti-diabetic weight loss-inducing drugs including semaglutide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists), empagliflozin (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor), and metformin (biguanide), for MS. This warrants validation through rigorous methodologies and prospective studies.

Exploring the safety profile of tremelimumab: an analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system

BACKGROUND

Despite the approval of tremelimumab in 2022, there is a lack of pharmacovigilance studies investigating its safety profile in real-world settings using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

AIM

This pharmacovigilance study aimed to comprehensively explore the adverse events (AEs) associated with tremelimumab using data mining techniques on the FAERS database.

METHOD

The study utilized data from the FAERS database, covering the period from the first quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2022. Disproportionality analysis, the Benjamini Hochberg adjustment method and volcano plots were used to identify and evaluate AE signals associated with tremelimumab.

RESULTS

The study uncovered 233 AE cases associated with tremelimumab. Among these cases, pyrexia (n = 39), biliary tract infection (n = 23), and sepsis (n = 21) were the three main AEs associated with tremelimumab use. The study also investigated the system organ classes associated with tremelimumab-related AEs. The top three classes were gastrointestinal disorders (17.9%), infections and infestations (16.6%), and general disorders and administration site infections (11.2%). Several AEs were identified that were not listed on the drug label of tremelimumab. These AEs included pyrexia, biliary tract infection, sepsis, dyspnea, infusion site infection, hiccup, appendicitis, hypotension, dehydration, localised oedema, presyncope, superficial thrombophlebitis and thrombotic microangiopathy.

CONCLUSION

This pharmacovigilance study identified several potential adverse events signals related to tremelimumab including some adverse events not listed on the drug label. However, further basic and clinical research studies are needed to validate these results.

Evaluating cardiac disorders associated with triazole antifungal agents based on the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event reporting system database

Introduction

Triazole antifungal agents are widely used to treat and prevent systemic mycoses. With wide clinical use, the number of reported adverse events has gradually increased. The aim of this study was to analyze the cardiac disorders associated with TAAs (fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole and isavuconazole) based on data from the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System FDA Adverse Event Reporting System.

Methods

Data were extracted from the FAERS database between the first quarter of 2004 and third quarter of 2022. The clinical characteristics in TAA-associated cardiac AE reports were analyzed. Disproportionality analysis was performed to evaluate the potential association between AEs and TAAs using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and proportional reporting ratio (PRR).

Results

Among 10,178,522 AE reports, 1719 reports were TAA-associated cardiac AEs as primary suspect drug. Most reports were related to fluconazole (38.34%), voriconazole (28.56%) and itraconazole (26.76%). Itraconazole (N = 195, 42.39%) and isavuconazole (N = 2, 14.29%) had fewer serious outcome events than three other drugs including fluconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole. 13, 11, 26, 5 and 1 signals were detected for fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole and isavuconazole, respectively. The number of new signals unrecorded in the drug label was 9, 2, 13, 2 and 0 for fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole and isavuconazole, respectively.

Conclusion

Isavuconazole might be the safest of the five TAAs for cardiac AEs. TAA-associated cardiac disorders may result in serious adverse outcomes. Therefore, in addition to AEs on the drug label, we should pay attention to new AEs unrecorded on the drug label during the clinical use of TAAs.

Association evaluations of oral anticoagulants with dementia risk based on genomic and real-world data

BACKGROUND

Several observational studies have suggested that oral anticoagulants (OACs) might reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly, but the evidence is inconclusive. And the consistency of this relationship across different OAC classes and dementia subtypes is still uncertain.

METHODS

To comprehensively evaluate this association, we applied Mendelian randomization (MR) combined with pharmacovigilance analysis. MR was used to assess the associations between genetic proxies for three target genes of OACs (VKORC1, F2, and F10) and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). This genetic analysis was supplemented with real-world pharmacovigilance data, employing disproportionality analysis for more reliable causal inference.

RESULTS

Increased expression of the VKORC1 gene was strongly associated with increased risk of dementia, especially for AD (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.14-1.43; p value < 0.001). Based on pharmacovigilance data, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs, inhibitors targeting VKORC1) exhibited a protective effect against dementia risk (ROR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.28-0.67). Additional sensitivity analyses, including different MR models and cohorts, supported these results. Conversely, no strong causal associations of genetically proxied F2 and F10 target genes with dementia and its subtypes were found.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that the inhibition of genetically proxied VKORC1 expression or VKAs exposure is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's dementia. However, there is little evidence to support similar associations with direct oral anticoagulants (F2 inhibitors and F10 inhibitors). Further research is warranted to clinically validate our findings.

Drugs associated with a risk of supraventricular tachycardia: analysis using the OpenVigil database

OBJECTIVE

The OpenVigil database can be used to assess medications that may cause supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and to produce a reference for their safe use in clinical settings.

METHODS

We analyzed first-quarter data from 2004 to 2023, obtained by searching the OpenVigil database using the keyword "supraventricular tachycardia." Trade names and generic names were obtained by querying the RxNav database, and the proportions were summarized. The proportionate reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio, and chi-square values were also summarized. We created Asahi diagrams and set the screening criteria to drug events ≥30, PRR >2, and chi-square >4. Outcomes were evaluated using the Side Effect Resource database, several scientific literature databases, and the Hangzhou Yiyao Rational Medication System.

RESULTS

A total of 2435 distinct medications were found to induce SVT between the first quarter of 2004 and 2023, leading to 22,375 documented adverse events related to SVT. Further investigation revealed that salbutamol, paroxetine, formoterol, paclitaxel, venlafaxine, and theophylline were most likely to cause SVT.

CONCLUSION

We conducted signal mining of adverse drug events using the OpenVigil database and evaluated the six drugs most likely to cause SVT. The results of this research can serve as a drug safety reference in the clinic.

Pharmacovigilance study of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a safety analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system

BACKGROUND

With the increased use of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in cancer patients, adverse events (AEs) have garnered considerable interest. We conducted this pharmacovigilance study to evaluate the AEs of BCR-ABL1 TKIs in cancer patients using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

METHODS

To query AE reports from the FAERS database, we used OpenVigil 2.1. Descriptive analysis was then employed to describe the characteristics of TKIs-associated AE reports. We also utilized the disproportionality analysis to detect safety signals by calculating the proportional reporting ratio (PRR) and reporting odds ratios (ROR).

RESULTS

From the FAERS database, a total of 85,989 AE reports were retrieved, with 3,080 significant AE signals identified. Specifically, imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, and ponatinib had significant AE signals of 1,058, 813, 232, 186, and 791, respectively. These significant signals were further categorized into 26 system organ classes (SOCs). The AE signals of imatinib and ponatinib were primarily associated with general disorders and administration site conditions. On the other hand, nilotinib, dasatinib, and bosutinib were mainly linked to investigations, respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders, respectively. Notably, new signals of 245, 278, 47, 55, and 253 were observed in imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, and ponatinib, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrated that AE signals differ among the five BCR-ABL1 TKIs. Furthermore, each BCR-ABL1 TKI displayed several new signals. These findings provide valuable information for clinicians aiming to reduce the risk of AEs during BCR-ABL1 TKI treatment.

The real-world safety of sacubitril / valsartan among older adults (≥75): A pharmacovigilance study from the FDA data

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults. Sacubitril-Valsartan (Sac/Val) has been shown to improve patients' outcomes; however, its safety profile among older adults has not been adequately examined. We therefore aimed to examine its safety profile among this population.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective pharmacovigilance study utilizing the FDA's database of safety reports (FAERS). We employed disproportionality analysis comparing Sac/Val to angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). We aim to evaluate the reporting of pre-defined adverse events associated with Sac/Val (hypotension, acute kidney injury (AKI), hyperkalemia and angioedema) in two age groups: adults (< 75 years) and older adults (≥ 75). For each subgroup, we calculated reporting odds ratio (ROR) and compared them by calculating P for interaction.

RESULTS

The FAERS database encompassed 18,432 unique reports of Sac/Val. Of them, 12,630 (68.5%) subjects were adults (< 75 years), and 5802 (31.5%) were older adults (≥ 75 years), with a median age (IQR) of 68 (59-77). When compared to ARBs, Sac/Val was associated with higher reporting of hypotension, lower reporting of acute kidney injury (AKI) and hyperkalemia, and similar reporting of angioedema. Notably, we did not observe a significant interaction between the age subgroups and the risk estimates (AKI: Pinteraction = 0.72, hyperkalemia: Pinteraction = 0.94, hypotension: Pinteraction = 0.31, and angioedema: Pinteraction = 0.61).

CONCLUSIONS

In this postmarking study, none of the prespecified adverse events was reported more frequently in older adults. These findings provide reassurance for safety use of Sac/Val in older adults.

A pharmacovigilance study on antibody-drug conjugate (ADC)-related neurotoxicity based on the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS)

Background: Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a relatively new class of anticancer agents that use monoclonal antibodies to specifically recognize tumour cell surface antigens. However, off-target effects may lead to severe adverse events. This study evaluated the neurotoxicity of ADCs using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Research design and methods: Data were extracted from the FAERS database for 2004 Q1 to 2022 Q4. We analysed the clinical characteristics of ADC-related neurological adverse events (AEs). We used the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and proportional reporting ratio (PRR) for the disproportionality analysis to evaluate the potential association between AEs and ADCs. Results: A total of 562 cases of neurological AEs were attributed to ADCs. The median age was 65 years old [(Min; Max) = 3; 92]. Neurotoxic signals were detected in patients receiving brentuximab vedotin, enfortumab vedotin, polatuzumab vedotin, trastuzumab emtansine, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, inotuzumab ozogamicin, and trastuzumab deruxtecan. The payloads of brentuximab vedotin, enfortumab vedotin, polatuzumab vedotin, and trastuzumab emtansine were microtubule polymerization inhibitors, which are more likely to develop neurotoxicity. We also found that brentuximab vedotin- and gemtuzumab ozogamicin-related neurological AEs were more likely to result in serious outcomes. The eight most common ADC-related nervous system AE signals were peripheral neuropathy [ROR (95% CI) = 16.98 (14.94-19.30), PRR (95% CI) = 16.0 (14.21-18.09)], cerebral haemorrhage [ROR (95% CI) = 9.45 (7.01-12.73), PRR (95% CI) = 9.32 (6.95-12.50)], peripheral sensory neuropathy [ROR (95% CI) = 47.87 (33.13-69.19), PRR (95% CI) = 47.43 (32.93-68.30)], polyneuropathy [ROR (95% CI) = 26.01 (18.61-36.33), PRR (95% CI) = 25.75 (18.50-35.86)], encephalopathy [ROR (95% CI) = 5.16 (3.32-8.01), PRR (95% CI) = 5.14 (3.32-7.96)], progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [ROR (95% CI) = 22.67 (14.05-36.58), PRR (95% CI) = 22.52 (14.01-36.21)], taste disorder [ROR (95% CI) = 26.09 (15.92-42.76), PRR (95% CI) = 25.78 (15.83-42.00)], and guillain barrier syndrome [ROR (95% CI) = 17.844 (10.11-31.51), PRR (95% CI) = 17.79 (10.09-31.35)]. The mortality rate appeared to be relatively high concomitantly with AEs in the central nervous system. Conclusion: ADCs may increase the risk of neurotoxicity in cancer patients, leading to serious mortality. With the widespread application of newly launched ADC drugs, combining the FAERS data with other data sources is crucial for monitoring the neurotoxicity of ADCs. Further studies on the potential mechanisms and preventive measures for ADC-related neurotoxicity are necessary.

Identification of Novel Signals Associated with US-FDA Approved Drugs (2013) Using Disproportionality Analysis

BACKGROUND

Drugs are related with various adverse drug reactions (ADRs), however, many unexpected ADRs of drugs are reported through post-marketing surveillance.

AIM

The current study's goal is to uncover potential signals connected with FDA-approved medications in the United States (2013).

METHODS

Open Vigil 2.1-MedDRA-v24 (data 20004Q1-2021Q3) was used as a tool to query the FAERS data. To find possible signals, disproportionality measures such as Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR 2) with associated Chi-square value, Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR 2) with 95% confidence interval, and case count (3) were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of eight potential signals were identified with five drugs. Positive signals were found with pomalidomide, canagliflozin, dolutegravir sodium, macitentan and ibrutinib.

CONCLUSION

However, further causality assessment is required to confirm the association of these drugs with identified potential signals.

Drug Repurposing Using FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Database

Drug repurposing is an emerging approach to reassigning existing pre-approved therapies for new indications. The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) is a large database of over 28 million adverse event reports submitted by medical providers, patients, and drug manufacturers and provides extensive drug safety signal data. In this review, four common drug repurposing strategies using FAERS are described, including inverse signal detection for a single disease, drug-drug interactions that mitigate a target ADE, identifying drug-ADE pairs with opposing gene perturbation signatures and identifying drug-drug pairs with congruent gene perturbation signatures. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of these different approaches using existing successful applications in the literature. With the fast expansion of adverse drug event reports, FAERS-based drug repurposing represents a promising strategy for discovering new uses for existing therapies.

Safety Profile of Paxlovid in the Treatment of COVID-19

BACKGROUND

With the urgent and widespread application of Paxlovid, a novel antiviral drug for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in clinical practice, concerns regarding its actual efficacy and safety have emerged. In order to provide more evidence to support its clinical application, we sought to perform a descriptive analysis of cases who experienced at least one Paxlovid-related adverse event (AEs) and reported to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) in the post-marketing period.

METHODS

Individual adverse event reports between January 1, 2022 and September 30, 2022, were downloaded from the FAERS website. We completed a descriptive study about the safety of Paxlovid in the treatment of COVID-19. Further, we also analyzed the onset time of Paxlovid-related AEs.

RESULTS

As of 30 September 2022, 16,529 de-duplicated cases were submitted to the FDA, and 5,860 (35.45%) were female. The average age was 58.38 years (S.D. 15.50). Most reports (12,390, 74.96%) were submitted by consumers and 1,436 (8.68%) concerned serious outcomes. The most frequently reported AEs were disease recurrence (7,724, 16.23%), dysgeusia (2,877, 6.05%), and diarrhoea (1,448, 3.04%). The median onset time of Paxlovid-related AEs was 8 days (interquartile range,1-10 days), and most of the cases (2,629, 19.12%) occurred on the day after Paxlovid initiation.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the most common AEs reported with Paxlovid in post-marketing experience are consistent with the safety assessment of antiviral drugs. Even without emerging apparent safety concerns, the incidence of serious outcomes was unexpectedly high, and a few cases of potential new AEs occurred.

Safety profile of clobazam in the real world: an analysis of FAERS database and systematic review of case reports

BACKGROUND

Most of the safety data of clobazam came from well-designed clinical trials, while the real-world information is insufficient.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a disproportionality analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database through OpenVigil 2 and conducted a systematic review of case reports regarding adverse drug reactions (ADR) linked to clobazam.

RESULTS

The analysis of FAERS identified 595 ADR signals. Nervous system disorders cantains the most positive signals among all system organ classes (SOCs). Except for seizure (n = 1696) and somnolence (n = 813), drug interactions (n = 492) were the most frequently reported positive signals. A total of 502 unique citations were initially retrieved and 31 individual cases from 28 publications were included. Skin reactions were the most reactions (n = 9), containing three types of severe reactions not alerted in the instruction. Five cases were caused by interactions between clobazam and other antiepileptic drugs, etravirine-based antiretroviral therapy, omeprazole, or meropenem. One patient died of aspiration pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians must pay attention to severe skin reactions and monitor the signs of suspicious respiratory infections/inflammations and central sedation. Patients with skin reactions will benefit from the withdrawal of clobazam and the treatment with glucocorticoids. The drug reactions between clobazam with severe or moderate cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 or CYP2C19 inhibitors or other antiepileptic drugs should also be alerted.

Priapism associated with anti-seizure medications: a pharmacovigilance study and a review of published cases

BACKGROUND

Recently, case reports of priapism associated with the use of some anti-seizure medications began to emerge in the literature. We aimed to investigate if there is a potential safety signal of priapism among individual anti-seizure medications and to search the literature for relevant published cases.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a disproportionality analysis using OpenVigil 2.1 to query the United States Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science up to 12 July 2023.

RESULTS

We identified positive signal of priapism for valproic acid and its derivatives (n = 23, chi-squared = 59.943, PRR = 4.566), gabapentin (n = 20, chi-squared = 9.790, PRR = 2.060), lamotrigine (n = 16, chi-squared = 8.318, PRR = 2.120), levetiracetam (n = 16, chi-squared = 10.766, PRR = 2.329), topiramate (n = 14, chi-squared = 28.067, PRR = 3.972) and carbamazepine (n = 8, chi-squared = 6.147, PRR = 2.568), as well as published cases of priapism associated with these drugs. We also found published cases of priapism for pregabalin and phenytoin in the literature and FAERS, and at least one reported adverse event of priapism in FAERS for clonazepam, lacosamide, ethosuximide, oxcarbazepine, and vigabatrin in which they were considered primary suspect.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified signals for priapism for several anti-seizure medications, but these results need to be confirmed in well-designed pharmacoepidemiological studies.

Nonselective beta-adrenoceptor blocker use and risk of Parkinson's disease: from multiple real-world evidence

BACKGROUND

People with hypertension have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD), epidemiological evidence suggests that multiple antihypertensives may affect the occurrence and development of PD with inconsistent results. With multisource data, we sought to determine whether specific antihypertensive classes elevated or reduced the risk for PD.

METHODS

We used a mixed methods approach that combines 4 methodologies. First, we conducted a disproportionality analysis using the reports causing adverse events in the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) to explore the effect of different classes of antihypertensive medications on the risk of PD; based on the findings from FAERS, a meta-analysis and a UK Biobank cohort analysis were used to further assess the association of drug use with PD; finally, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to validate the causal relationship between the drug target and the occurrence of PD.

RESULTS

In the disproportionality analysis using the FAERS (N = 187,266), nonselective beta-adrenoceptor blockers (NBBs) were demonstrated to have a significant association with PD (reporting odds ratio (ROR) = 3.13; 95% CI 2.33-4.22). In the meta-analysis of 12 studies with 12,183,809 participants, PD risk was elevated in NBBs (RR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.19-2.09) when stratified by subtypes of BBs. Among the 105,763 participants included in the cohort analysis using data from the UK Biobank, individuals who used NBBs had a significantly increased risk of PD compared to nonusers (HR, 1.47; 95% CI 1.04-2.06). The MR analysis revealed a significant association between higher expression of the β2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene, a drug target blocked by NBBs, and a reduced risk of PD (OR, 0.85; 95% CI 0.73-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Our comprehensive study indicated that regular NBB use is associated with an increased risk of PD. In light of the detrimental effects of NBBs on PD, some people should choose alternative antihypertensive treatments.

Drug-associated kidney injury in children: a disproportionality analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

Drug-associated kidney injury is related to longer hospitalization and increased risk of chronic kidney disease and mortality. However, there is currently a lack of large population studies on drug-associated kidney injury in children. This study aimed to study perform data mining to generate hypotheses on drugs, which may deserve to be assessed as per their potential risk of increasing kidney injury in children. We extracted and analyzed reports on drugs associated with kidney injury in children in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). We conducted a disproportionality analysis using proportional reporting ratio (PRR) to evaluate the association between drugs and kidney injury in children. Meanwhile, comparisons were performed with drug labels to identify drugs that, despite not having kidney injury currently mentioned in their labels, may potentially be associated with risks of kidney injury in children. A total of 6347 children had drug-associated kidney injury in the FAERS database. The top five drugs with the highest PRR were gentamicin (PRR = 12.28, N = 157 cases, Chi-Squared = 1602.77), piperacillin-tazobactam (PRR = 9.77, N = 129 cases, Chi-Squared = 1003.24), amlodipine (PRR = 8.98, N = 271 cases, Chi-Squared = 1861.46), vancomycin (PRR = 8.91, N = 295 cases, Chi-Squared = 1998.64), and ceftriaxone (PRR = 8.00, N = 251 cases, Chi-Squared = 1494.02). According to drug labels, 9 drugs (9/30) were classified as potential nephrotoxins.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one-third of drugs associated with kidney injury in children do not list kidney injury as a side effect in their drug labels. Future studies are therefore warranted to evaluate whether these drugs are associated with such a risk.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Nephrotoxic drugs are an increasingly common cause of acute kidney injury in hospitalized children. • Currently, no study has systematically combed drugs associated with kidney injury in children.

WHAT IS NEW

• Approximately a third of drugs showing signals for potential kidney injury in children in data mining do not mention this side effect in their drug labels. • This study provides data on drugs needing further study to determine whether they might increase the risk of kidney injury in children.

Post-marketing safety surveillance of dalfampridine for multiple sclerosis using FDA adverse event reporting system

Objective: To investigate and analyze the post-marketing adverse event (AE) data of multiple sclerosis (MS) therapeutic drug dalfampridine using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) for its clinical safety application. Methods: Use OpenVigil2.1 platform to obtain AE data of dalfampridine from FAERS from February 2010 to September 2022. Match "adverse drug reaction" with preferred term (PT) and system organ class (SOC) according to the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA), then merge the same PT and delete non-AE PT. Positive signals were identified by the reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) methods. When AE signals met the criteria of those three methods, they were identified as positive signals. Results: A total of 44,092 dalfampridine-related AE reports were obtained, and 335 AE signals were identified, including 11,889 AE reports. AEs were more common in females and in the 45-65 age group, which is consistent with the epidemiological characteristics of MS. The 335 AE signals involved 21 SOCs, including investigations, infections and infestations, eye disorders, etc. Among the top 20 PTs in signal strength, 10 were associated with abnormal lymphocyte percentage and count, and 5 were associated with abnormal urine tests, some of which were not described in the instruction, such as spinal cord injury cauda equina, haemoglobin urine present, urinary sediment abnormal and so on. The most frequently reported AE signals were urinary tract infection, dizziness, condition aggravated. In addition, 23 AE signals with death outcomes were identified, with an incidence of less than 0.1%. Conclusion: Data mining of FAERS was conducted to analyze the AEs of dalfampridine, and new AE signals were found. This study provides a reference for the safe use of dalfampridine in the treatment of MS.

A real-world pharmacovigilance analysis of FDA adverse event reporting system database for upadacitinib

Objective: To mine the adverse drug event (ADE) signals of upadacitinib based on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to provide a reference for the safe clinical use of the drug. Methods: The ADE data for upadacitinib from Q1 2004 to Q1 2023 in the FAERS database were retrieved, and data mining was performed using the reporting odds ratio and proportional reporting ratio. Results: A total of 21,213 ADE reports for the primary suspect drug upadacitinib were obtained, involving 444 ADEs. Patients aged ≥60 years (21.48%) and female (70.11%) patients were at a higher risk of ADEs with upadacitinib. After data cleaning, 182 ADE signals from 19 system organ classes (SOCs) were obtained. Six of these SOCs that occurred more frequently and were not mentioned in the drug labeling information included renal and urinary system (1.09%), reproductive and breast diseases (1.14%), ear and labyrinth disorders (0.57%), psychiatric disease (0.57%), blood and lymphatic system disorders (0.57%), and endocrine disorders (0.57%). The top ten most frequent ADE signals reported for upadacitinib were mainly related to: infections and infestations (7), investigations (2), and skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (1). The top 10 ADEs in signal intensity ranking were lip neoplasm, ureteral neoplasm, eczema herpeticum, vulvar dysplasia, mediastinum neoplasm, eosinopenia, herpes zoster cutaneous disseminated, eye ulcer, acne cystic, and Moraxella infection. The top 10 high-frequency events leading to serious adverse events were urinary tract infection (2.74%), herpes zoster (1.63%), diverticulitis (1.19%), bronchitis (0.68%), nasopharyngitis (0.68%), localised infection (0.66%), nephrolithiasis (0.66%), pulmonary thrombosis (0.66%), blood cholesterol increased (0.55%), and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (0.53%). Conclusion: Clinicians should be vigilant to upadacitinib-induced events in systems not covered in the drug labeling information and to new and highly signaled ADEs to ensure the safe and effective use of upadacitinib.

Safety profiles of methylphenidate, amphetamine, and atomoxetine: analysis of spontaneous reports submitted to the food and drug administration adverse event reporting system

Background: Methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and Amphetamine are the three most commonly used medications approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, a comprehensive analysis of their safety profiles across various age groups and genders in real-world contexts has yet to be conducted. In this study, a pharmacovigilance analysis was performed using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to examine differences in adverse events between methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and Amphetamine. Methods: From January 2014 to September 2022, FAERS reports listing "Methylphenidate," "Dexmethylphenidate," "Atomoxetine," "Amphetamine," "Lisdexamfetamine," "Dextroamphetamine," and "Methamphetamine" as primary suspects were analyzed after removing duplicate reports. We used the standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) query generalized search for adverse events at the preferred term level based on case reports. After filtering duplicate reports, disproportionality analysis was used to detect safety signals according to the proportional reporting ratio (PRR). In order to delve into potential safety concerns, we undertook a two-step analysis of the data. Initially, the data was segmented based on age cohorts: 0-5 years, 6-12 years, 13-18 years, and individuals aged ≥19 years. Following this, after partitioning the data into males and females within the 0-18 years age group, and similarly for those aged ≥19 years, further analysis was conducted. Results: The pharmacovigilance analysis uncovered substantial safety signals in the standardized MedDRA queries. Methylphenidate was associated with dyskinesia (PRR = 21.15), myocardial infarction (PRR = 12.32), and hypertension (PRR = 8.95) in children aged 0-5, 6-12, and 13-18 years, respectively, as well as neonatal exposures via breast milk (PRR = 14.10) in adults aged ≥19 years. Atomoxetine was linked to hostility/aggression (PRR = 15.77), taste and smell disorders (PRR = 6.75), and hostility/aggression (PRR = 6.74) in children aged 0-5, 6-12, and 13-18 years, respectively, as well as hostility/aggression (PRR = 14.00) in adults aged ≥19 years. Amphetamine was associated with psychosis and psychotic disorders (PRR = 16.78), hostility/aggression (PRR = 4.39), and Other ischaemic heart disease (PRR = 10.77) in children aged 0-5 years, 6-12 years, and 13-18 years, respectively, and hostility/aggression in adults aged ≥19 years (PRR = 9.16). Significant and noteworthy adverse event signals were also identified at the preferred term level. Specifically, methylphenidate was associated with myocardial infarction, acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery dissection, electrocardiogram QT prolonged, growth retardation, self-destructive behavior, suicidal ideation, and completed suicide. Atomoxetine was linked to electrocardiogram QT prolonged, growth retardation, and tic. Amphetamine was recorded for coronary artery dissection, suicidal ideation, and completed suicide. It was observed that male patients, including both children and adults, showed a more significant and frequent occurrence of adverse events compared to females, particularly in terms of cardiac disorders. The intensity and quantity of adverse event signals were distinctly different between the two genders, with males having a higher number of signals. All detected safety signals were confirmed using signals obtained from the disproportionality analysis. Conclusion: This pharmacovigilance analysis demonstrated significant variations in the safety profiles of methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and Amphetamine across different age groups and between different genders. Following an in-depth analysis of the FAERS database, we discerned prominent safety signals. Notably, the strength of the signals associated with coronary artery dissection induced by methylphenidate and amphetamine, as well as those related to suicide, demand particular attention. Consequently, it remains imperative to persist in monitoring these medications, assessing the associated risks, and carrying out comparative studies particularly geared towards ADHD drugs.

Psychiatric adverse reactions to non-selective RET multi-kinase inhibitors: a large-scale pharmacovigilance analysis

Objective: The development of non-selective multi-kinase inhibitors (MKIs) has improved the. survival outcomes of patients with cancers. Psychiatric disorders represent an MKIs related AE of particular concern, as they are often ignored and may harm the patient's personal and social functioning. Therefore, we use the public database to describe and evaluate psychiatric adverse events related to various non-selective RET MKIs. Provide evidence for optimizing drug administration in the clinic. Methods: We analyzed spontaneous reports submitted to the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Events Reporting System FDA Adverse Event Reporting System in an observational and retrospective manner. Selecting psychiatric AEs to non-selective RET multikinase inhibitors (sorafenib, lenvatinib, vandetanib, cabozantinib, and sunitinib). We used Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) algorithms to analyze suspected adverse reactions of psychiatric related induced by non-selective RET MKIs between January 2004 and September 2022. Results: As of September 2022, 1,108 non-selective RET MKIs ICSRs were related to psychiatric AEs. 706 were ADR ICSRs, and 402 were non-ADR ICSRs. There were more ADR cases in males (69.5%), and 71.8% of the cases were submitted from North America. The age group most frequently affected by psychiatric ADRs was individuals aged 50-64 years for sorafenib, whereas 65-74 years for sunitinib, cabozantinib, and lenvatinib. In all psychiatric ADRs ICSRs, excluding missing data (n = 329), the most common adverse outcome was hospitalization (260/377, 69.0%), and the most serious was death (100/377, 26.5%). What calls for special attention is that the percentage of death rate for sunitinib was highest (24/54, 44.4%) in sunitinib-related psychiatric ADRs ICSRs, (excluding missing data, n = 44), followed by lenvatinib (4/14, 28.6%). Based on ROR, PRR, BCPNN, and MGPS methods, sorafenib, sunitinib, cabozantinib, and lenvatinib are significantly associated with all ADRs, the strongest association was the association between cabozantinib and feeding disorder. Conclusion: Despite the limitations, our study found that, except for vandetanib, other four drugs have been reported to have significant psychiatric side effects. Clinicians need to recognize and monitor these potentially fatal adverse events. If it is suitable for treatment with vandetanib, doctors should choose vandetanib for treatment.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors-associated interstitial lung disease used in non-small cell lung cancer: a pharmacovigilance analysis based on the FDA adverse event reporting system database

BACKGROUND

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) was a relatively common cause of drug-induced mortality. However, the safety profile of the whole TKIs induced ILD was largely unknown.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The reported cases of ILD associated with TKIs were downloaded from the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database between 1 January 2004 and 30 April 2022 to detect ILD signals by disproportionality analysis. Furthermore, the fatality rate and time to onset (TTO) of various TKIs were also calculated.

RESULTS

The median age of total 2999 reported cases was 67. The largest reported cases came from osimertinib (n = 736, 24.5%). However, gefitinib had the highest ROR of 12.47 (11.4, 13.64) and IC of 3.53 (3.23, 3.86), means the strongest association with ILD. Trametinib, vemurafenib, larotectinib, selpercatinib, and cabozantinib did not show ILD signal. The median age of dead cases was 72 (Q1:62, Q3:83), and 53.02% (n = 579) were female and 41.11% (n = 449) were male. MET group showed the highest fatality rate of 55.17% with the shortest median TTO of 21 days (Q1: 8.5, Q3: 35.5).

CONCLUSIONS

TKIs were significantly associated with ILD. More attention should be paid to female, older, MET group with shorter TTO, as their prognosis might be worse.

Safety profile of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine-kinase inhibitors in pediatrics: a pharmacovigilance disproportionality analysis

Introduction: existing research on children consists primarily of phase I/II clinical trials for VEGFR-TKI. System reports of safety on the use of VEGFR-TKI in pediatrics are lacking. Aim: to investigate the safety profiles of VEGFR-TKI in pediatrics via the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Method: data regarding VEGFR-TKIs were extracted from the FAERS between 2004Q1 to 2022Q3 and categorized by the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA). Population characteristics were analyzed, and reporting odds ratio (ROR) was performed to identify risk signals associated with VEGFR-TKI. Results: 53,921 cases containing 561 children were identified in the database from 18 May 2005, to 30 September 2022. Among those in the system organ class, skin, subcutaneous tissue disorders, and blood and lymphatic system disorders in pediatrics contributed to over 140 cases. Palmar-plantar eythrodysesthesia syndrome (PPES) in VEGFR-TKI presented the most significant 340.9 (95% 229.2-507.0). And pneumothorax also gave a high reporting odds ratio of 48.9 (95% 34.7-68.9). For a specific drug, musculoskeletal pain gave a ROR of 78.5 (95% 24.4-252.6) in cabozantinib and oesophagitis in lenvatinib with a ROR of 95.2 (95% 29.5-306.9). Additionally, hypothyroidism presented a high signal, especially sunitinib, with a ROR of 107.8 (95% 37.6-308.7). Conclusion: the present study explored the safety profile of VEGFR-TKI in pediatrics using the FAERS database. Multiple skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders, as well as blood and lymphatic system disorders, were common VEGFR-TKI-related AEs in system organ class. No serious hepatobiliary AEs were detected. For the specific AEs, PPES and pneumothorax were VEGFR-TKI-related AEs that presented significantly higher signals than those in the general population.

Proarrhythmia associated with antiarrhythmic drugs: a comprehensive disproportionality analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system

Objective: This study aimed to identify the different associations between antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) and arrhythmias, and to determine whether pharmacokinetic drug interactions involving AADs increase the risk of AAD-related arrhythmias compared to using AADs alone. Materials and methods: The disproportionality analysis of AAD-associated cardiac arrhythmias, including AAD monotherapies and concomitant use of pharmacokinetic interacting agents involving AADs, was conducted by using reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information component (IC) as detection of potential safety signals based on FAERS data from January 2016 to June 2022. We compared the clinical features of patients reported with AAD-associated arrhythmias between fatal and non-fatal groups, and further investigated the onset time (TTO) following different AAD regimens. Results: A total of 11754 AAD-associated cardiac arrhythmias reports were identified, which was more likely to occur in the elderly (52.17%). Significant signals were detected between cardiac arrhythmia and all AAD monotherapies, with ROR ranging from 4.86 with mexiletine to 11.07 with flecainide. Regarding four specific arrhythmias in High Level Term (HLT) level, the AAD monotherapies with the highest ROR were flecainide in cardiac conduction disorders (ROR025 = 21.18), propafenone in rate and rhythm disorders (ROR025 = 10.36), dofetilide in supraventricular arrhythmias (ROR025 = 17.61), and ibutilide in ventricular arrhythmias (ROR025 = 4.91). Dofetilide/ibutilide, ibutilide, mexiletine/ibutilide and dronedarone presented no signal in the above four specific arrhythmias respectively. Compared with amiodarone monotherapy, sofosbuvir plus amiodarone detected the most significantly increased ROR in arrhythmias. Conclusion: The investigation showed the spectrum and risk of AAD-associated cardiac arrhythmias varied among different AAD therapies. The early identification and management of AAD-associated arrhythmias are of great importance in clinical practice.

Using disproportionality analysis to explore the association between periostitis and triazole antifungals in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Database

Though triazole antifungals are the first choice for preventing and treating invasive fungal infections, periostitis caused by voriconazole has been described in emerging case reports; however, no studies exist on this association in real-world clinical settings. Our study aimed to identify the association between periostitis and triazole antifungals by analyzing data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). We extracted and analyzed reports on the association between periostitis and triazole antifungals in FAERS from the first quarter of 2004 to the second quarter of 2022 using OpenVigil 2.1. Disproportionality analysis was performed to evaluate the association between periostitis and triazole antifungals, and chi-squared (χ²), relative reporting ratio (RRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), and Bayesian confidence propagation neural networks (BCPNN) of information components (IC) were reported. In total, 143 patients experienced periostitis while using voriconazole. Disproportionality analysis identified an association between periostitis and voriconazole (χ² = 82,689.0, RRR = 583.6, 95%CI [472.4, 721.1], PRR = 1808.9, 95%CI [1356.0, 2412.9], ROR = 1831.7, 95%CI [1371.6, 2446.3], IC = 9.2, 95%CI [8.6, 9.8]). However, no safety signals were observed between periostitis and other triazole antifungals. When stratified by sex and age, disproportionality analysis identified positive signals between periostitis and voriconazole. The possible association between periostitis and voriconazole should attract sufficient attention in clinical practice. Alternative treatment with other triazole antifungals can be considered, and causality needs to be verified in further prospective studies.

Pharmacovigilance-based drug repurposing: searching for putative drugs with hypohidrosis or anhidrosis adverse events for use against hyperhidrosis

BACKGROUND

Drug repurposing refers to the application of existing drugs to new therapeutic indications. As phenotypic indicators of human drug response, drug side effects may provide direct signals and unique opportunities for drug repurposing.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to identify drugs frequently associated with hypohidrosis or anhidrosis adverse reactions (that is, the opposite condition of hyperhidrosis) from the pharmacovigilance database, which could be potential candidates as anti-hyperhidrosis treatment agents.

METHODS

In this observational, retrospective, pharmacovigilance study, adverse event reports of hypohidrosis or anhidrosis in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) were assessed between January 2004 and December 2021 using reporting odds ratio (ROR) estimates and categorized by the World Health Organization Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification code. The onset time of drug-associated hypohidrosis or anhidrosis was also examined.

RESULTS

There were 540 reports of 192 drugs with suspected drug-associated hypohidrosis or anhidrosis in the FAERS database, of which 39 drugs were found to have statistically significant signals. Nervous system drugs were most frequently reported (187 cases, 55.82%), followed by alimentary tract and metabolism drugs (35 cases, 10.45%), genitourinary system and sex hormones (28 cases, 8.36%), and dermatologicals (22 cases, 6.57%). The top 3 drug subclasses were antiepileptics, drugs for urinary frequency and incontinence, and antidepressants. Taking disproportionality signals, pharmacological characteristics of drugs and appropriate onset time into consideration, the main putative drugs for hyperhidrosis were glycopyrronium, solifenacin, oxybutynin, and botulinum toxin type A. Other drugs, such as topiramate, zonisamide, agalsidase beta, finasteride, metformin, lamotrigine, citalopram, ciprofloxacin, bupropion, duloxetine, aripiprazole, prednisolone, and risperidone need more investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

Several candidate agents among hypohidrosis or anhidrosis-related drugs were identified that may be redirected for diminishing sweat production. There are affirmative data for some candidate drugs, and the remaining proposed candidate drugs without already known sweat reduction mechanisms of action should be further explored.

Pantoprazole associated dyspepsia hypocalcemia and hyponatremia: A disproportionality analysis in FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

The study was designed to detect novel Adverse Events (AEs) of pantoprazole by disproportionality analysis in the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) database of Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) using Data Mining Algorithms (DMAs). Pantoprazole, the most commonly over-utilized Over The Counter (OTC) medication, was selected to assess any short-term or long-term AEs. The study aimed to analyze the novel adverse events of pantoprazole using the FAERS database.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective case/non-case disproportionality analysis was performed in the FAERS database. This study was based on AEs reported to FAERS from 2006Q1-2021Q3. Openvigil 2.1 was used for data extraction. Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), and Information Component (IC) were applied to measure the disproportionality in reporting. A value of ROR-1.96SE > 1, PRR ≥ 2, and IC-2SD > 0 were considered as the threshold for a positive signal.

RESULTS

A total of 1050 reports of dyspepsia, 7248 reports of hypocalcemia and 995 reports of hyponatremia were identified. A potential positive signal for dyspepsia (ROR-1.96SE = 2.231, PRR = 2.359, IC-2SD = 1.13), hypocalcemia (4.961, 5.45, 2.23) and hyponatremia (3.948, 4.179, 1.92) were identified for pantoprazole.

CONCLUSION

Data mining in the FAERS database produced three potential signals associated with pantoprazole. As a result, further clinical surveillance is needed to quantify and validate potential hazards associated with pantoprazole-related adverse events.

Doxycycline use and adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes: A descriptive study using the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database

Background and Aims

Doxycycline is recommended for use in rickettsial diseases. The available evidence regarding its safety for rickettsial infection in pregnancy is limited. Our study aimed to describe the adverse events of doxycycline when used during pregnancy for any indication, in terms of adverse maternal and/or neonatal outcomes, using the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods

We used the OpenVigil software for extracting the safety reports from the United States submitted to the FAERS from 2004 to 2021. We manually reviewed reports of doxycycline use resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes or congenital anomalies to describe the patient and safety event characteristics.

Results

From 2004 to 2021, 59 individual case safety reports containing preferred terms indicative of drug exposure during pregnancy or drug-induced adverse fetal outcomes were identified in the FAERS database. Following deduplication and manual review, 20 relevant adverse event reports were obtained. Doxycycline was the suspect medication in 13/20 (65%) reports. The common adverse event terms reported were premature delivery/baby in 6 reports, spontaneous abortion in 6, intrauterine death in 2, and various congenital anomalies in the rest. Fifty percent of the safety reports contained other medications which could have potentially caused the outcome.

Conclusions

The number of reported events in the FAERS database of adverse pregnancy/neonatal outcomes following doxycycline use is small, similar to the numbers reported from large cohort or surveillance studies. Given the presence of concomitant medications that could have contributed to the outcome, there does not seem to be a strong signal of harm, although this needs to be confirmed by surveillance studies.

Drug-induced torsades de pointes: Disproportionality analysis of the United States Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system

Objective

This study aimed to identify the most common and top drugs associated with the risk of torsades de pointes (TdP) based on the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

Materials and methods

We used OpenVigil 2.1 to query FAERS database and data from the first quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2021 were retrieved. The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) was used to identify TdP cases. We listed the most common drugs associated with the reported TdP cases. Then, the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and the proportional reporting ratio (PRR) for the reporting association between different drugs and TdP risk were calculated. Meanwhile, comparisons were conducted with the QT drug lists of CredibleMeds^® in an attempt to identify drugs with a potential risk of TdP that were not on the list.

Results

A total of 9,217,181 adverse event reports were identified, of which 3,807 (0.04%) were related to TdP. TdP was more likely to occur in the elderly and females. Amiodarone (464 cases) was associated with most cases of TdP. According to the disproportionality analysis, the top five drugs with the highest ROR and PRR were tolazoline (ROR 1615.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 455.59–5725.75, PRR 969.46, χ² 2960.10), levomethadyl (ROR 1211.01, 95% CI 302.75–4844.04, PRR 807.67, χ² 1677.03), ibutilide (ROR 1118.74, 95% CI 425.00–2944.91, PRR 765.77, χ² 3845.27), halofantrine (ROR 660.55, 95% CI 184.21–2368.69, PRR 519.22, χ² 1076.31), and isoproterenol (ROR 352.20, 95% CI 227.19–546.00, PRR 307.82, χ² 6692.53). Approximately half of the top 50 drugs (22 for ROR, 30 for PRR) were not outlined on the QT drug lists of CredibleMeds^®.

Conclusion

Approximately half of the top risk drugs (22 for ROR, 30 for PRR) were not outlined in the QT drug lists of CredibleMeds^®. Notably, potential risks are of great importance and should be closely monitored in clinical practice. Also, further research is needed to investigate the association between these drugs and TdP.

Analysis of pharmacovigilance databases for spontaneous reports of adverse drug reactions related to substandard and falsified medical products: A descriptive study

Introduction: The public health threat of substandard and falsified medicines has been well known in the last two decades, and several studies focusing on the identification of products affected and preventing consumption have been published. However, the number of these products reaching patients and causing health consequences and adverse drug reactions is not a well-researched area.

Objectives: Our aim was to identify and describe the characteristics of cases that are related to adverse drug reactions potentially originating from counterfeit medication using publicly available pharmacovigilance data.

Methods: A descriptive study was performed based on pharmacovigilance data retrieved from Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) identified in the European Medicines Agency’s EudraVigilance and FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) databases in April 2022 using selected MedDRA preferred terms: counterfeit product administered, product counterfeit, product label counterfeit, product packaging counterfeit, suspected counterfeit product, adulterated product, product tampering, and suspected product tampering. ICSRs were analyzed by age and gender, by year of reporting, region of origin, reporter’s profession, and severity of the outcome. The disproportionality method was used to calculate pharmacovigilance signal measures.

Results: A total of 5,253 cases in the FAERS and 1,049 cases in the EudraVigilance database were identified, generally affecting middle-aged men with a mean age of 51.055 (±19.62) in the FAERS and 64.18% of the cases between 18 and 65 years, while the male to female ratios were 1.18 and 1.5. In the FAERS database, we identified 138 signals with 95% confidence interval including sildenafil (n = 314; PRR, 12.99; ROR, 13.04; RRR, 11.97), tadalafil (n = 200; PRR, 11.51; ROR, 11.55; RRR, 10.94), and oxycodone (n = 190; PRR, 2.47; ROR, 2.14; RRR, 2.47). While in the EV data 31, led by vardenafil (n = 16, PRR = 167.19; 101.71–274.84; 95% CI, RRR = 164.66; 100.17–270.66; 95% CI, ROR = 169.47; 103.09–278.60; 95% CI, p &lt; 0.001), entecavir (n = 46, PRR = 161.26, RRR = 154.24, ROR = 163.32, p &lt; 0.001), and tenofovir (n = 20, PRR = 142.10, RRR = 139.42, ROR = 143.74, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion: The application of pharmacovigilance datasets to identify potential counterfeit medicine ADRs can be a valuable tool in recognition of potential risk groups of consumers and the affected active pharmaceutical ingredients and products. However, the further development and standardization of ADR reporting, pharmacovigilance database analysis, and prospective and real-time collection of potential patients with health consequences are warranted in the future.

Identification of novel signal of clobazam-associated drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome: A disproportionality analysis

OBJECTIVES

Clobazam is a well-known benzodiazepine used as an anti-anxiety drug as well as an anti-epileptic, particularly for patients who are not responding to first-line treatments. Recent case reports have indicated the association of clobazam with drug reaction with eosinophilia systemic symptoms syndrome (DRESS Syndrome). However, DRESS syndrome is not known to be associated with clobazam. Thus, the main objective of the current study was to identify the potential signal of clobazam-associated DRESS Syndrome.

MATERIALS & METHODS

US FDA Adverse event reporting system (US FAERS), pharmacovigilance data 2004Q1-2021Q3 was extracted using OpenVigil 2.1-MedDRA-v24. The Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR) with a Chi-Square value (95% confidence interval), and number of cases (≥3) were used as disproportionality analysis parameters.

RESULTS

A total of 141 drug-event combinations were reported and results of disproportionality analysis indicate the positive signal of DRESS syndrome with clobazam. The signal strength was decreased after removing the cases of concomitantly administered drugs (phenytoin, levetiracetam, and valproic acid); however, the association of clobazam with DRESS syndrome remains statistically significant. The subgroup analysis results have shown a greater number of cases in the age group (18-64 years) as compared to other age groups whereas the number of cases in the male and female groups is almost similar.

CONCLUSION

The DRESS syndrome is identified as a novel signal with clobazam. However, further causality assessment is required.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia Following the Use of Poly-ADP Ribose Polymerase (PARP) Inhibitors: A Real-World Analysis of Postmarketing Surveillance Data

Background and purpose: poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors show impressive efficacy in a range of tumors. However, concerns about rare and fatal adverse events, including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) have arisen. The aim of this study was to excavate and evaluate the risk of PARP inhibitors causing MDS and AML based on real-world data from two international pharmacovigilance databases.

Methods: We analyzed adverse event (AE) reports of four PARP inhibitors (olaparib, niraparib, rucaparib and talazoparib) associated with MDS and AML from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and EudraVigilance (EV) databases between 1 October 2014, and 30 September 2021, including demographic characteristics, fatality and times to onset. Three different data mining algorithms were used to detect the signals of PARP inhibitors associated with MDS and AML.

Results: In total, 16,710 and 11,937 PARP inhibitor AE reports were found in the FAERS and EV databases, of which 332 and 349 were associated with MDS and AML, respectively. The median latencies of MDS and AML associated with PARP inhibitors were 211 [interquartile range (IQR) 93.5–491.25] days and 355 (IQR 72.00–483.50) days, respectively. The average fatality rates of MDS and AML caused by the four PARP inhibitors were 39.23 and 45.39%, respectively, in the FAERS database, while those in the EV database were 32.32 and 34.94%, respectively. Based on the criteria used for the three algorithms, a significant disproportionate association was found between PARP inhibitors as a drug class and MDS/AML. Notably, the risk of MDS was much higher than that of AML. Olaparib appeared to have a stronger association with MDS and AML than did other PARP inhibitors.

Conclusion: In the real world, PARP inhibitors increase the risk of MDS and AML, which can result in high mortality and tend to occur during long-term use. Our findings provide objective evidence for the postmarketing safety of PARP inhibitors.

Advancing drug safety science by integrating molecular knowledge with post-marketing adverse event reports

Promising drug development efforts may frequently fail due to unintended adverse reactions. Several methods have been developed to analyze such data, aiming to improve pharmacovigilance and drug safety. In this work, we provide a brief review of key directions to quantitatively analyzing adverse events and explore the potential of augmenting these methods using additional molecular data descriptors. We argue that molecular expansion of adverse event data may provide a path to improving the insights gained through more traditional pharmacovigilance approaches. Examples include the ability to assess statistical relevance with respect to underlying biomolecular mechanisms, the ability to generate plausible causative hypotheses and/or confirmation where possible, the ability to computationally study potential clinical trial designs and/or results, as well as the further provision of advanced features incorporated in innovative methods, such as machine learning. In summary, molecular data expansion provides an elegant way to extend mechanistic modeling, systems pharmacology, and patient‐centered approaches for the assessment of drug safety. We anticipate that such advances in real‐world data informatics and outcome analytics will help to better inform public health, via the improved ability to prospectively understand and predict various types of drug‐induced molecular perturbations and adverse events.

Peripheral Neuropathy During Concomitant Administration of Proteasome Inhibitors and Factor Xa Inhibitors: Identifying the Likelihood of Drug-Drug Interactions

Backgrounds: Proteasome inhibitors (PI) cause toxic peripheral neuropathy (PN), which is one of the dose-limiting adverse events of these treatments. Recent preclinical studies find that factor Xa inhibitor (FXaI), rivaroxaban, promotes PN in animals receiving oxaliplatin. Cancer patients can receive combined therapy of PI and FXaI. This study aimed to identify and characterize the interaction signals for the concomitant use of PI and FXaI resulting in PN.

Methods: Reports from the United States FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) were extracted from the first quarter of 2004 to the first quarter of 2020 for analysis. The Standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) query was used to identify PN cases. We conducted an initial disproportionality investigation to detect PN adverse event signals associated with the combined use of PI and FXaI by estimating a reporting odds ratio (ROR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The adjusted RORs were then analyzed by logistic regression analysis (adjusting for age, gender, and reporting year), and additive/multiplicative models were performed to further confirm the findings. Additionally, subset data analysis was performed on the basis of a single drug of PI and FXaI.

Results: A total of 159,317 adverse event reports (including 2,822 PN reports) were included. The combined use of PI and FXaI was associated with a higher reporting of PN (RORadj = 7.890, 95%CI, 5.321–11.698). The result remained significant based on additive/multiplicative methods. The observed association was consistent in the analysis restricted to all specific PI agents (bortezomib and ixazomib) and FXaI (rivaroxaban), except apixaban.

Conclusion: Analysis of FAERS data identified reporting associations of PN in the combined use of PI and FXaI, suggesting the need for more robust preclinical and clinical studies to elucidate the relationship.