Signal detection activity on EudraVigilance data: analysis of the procedure and findings from an Italian Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance

Background: In July 2012 a new European legislation (Directive 2010/84/EU and Regulation No. 1235/2010) regarding pharmacovigilance has become effective. It has boosted the activity of Signal Detection through a monthly analysis of potential safety signals on EudraVigilance (EV). Our aim is to describe the procedure of signal detection on EV data and to present results obtained by the our pharmacovigilance centre. Method: Data are extracted from EV database, which collects suspected Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) of medicinal products in Europe. We are appointed to supervise digoxin, nicardipine, delapril, manidipine and hydrochlorothiazide/ramipril. ADRs are coded through MedDRA Preferred Terms and collected in the electronic Reaction Monitoring Report (eRMR). Statistical analysis is based on the Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR) as a measure of disproportionality. Results: Up to April 2016 we have analyzed 45 eRMR for each drug. Two signals for nicardipine were submitted to the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee of European Medicines Agency (EMA): acute pulmonary oedema (off-label use as tocolytic) and thrombocytopenia. Conclusions: Our experience shows the scientific and regulatory value of signal detection activity on EV data in order to continuously evaluate the benefit/risk profile of recent and older drugs.