Adverse drug reactions associated with antidiabetic drugs and their reporting through pharmacovigilance in India

Abstract

Antidiabetic drugs have revolutionized the treatment of diabetes mellitus, enhancing patients' quality of life and reducing morbidity and mortality. However, these medications are also associated with various adverse drug reactions (ADRs), ranging from mild gastrointestinal disturbances to severe hypoglycemia, cardiovascular events, and even death. Pharmacovigilance plays a crucial role in monitoring and reporting these ADRs to ensure patient safety and inform clinical decisions. In India, the pharmacovigilance program is integral to identifying and mitigating the risks associated with antidiabetic drugs. This review article discusses the ADRs linked to antidiabetic medications, including sulfonylureas, metformin, thiazolidinediones, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and insulin. Additionally, the article provides an overview of the pharmacovigilance system in India, emphasizing the importance of ADR reporting to improve drug safety and patient outcomes.