FATAL REACTIONS TO DRUGS - 10-YEAR MATERIAL FROM THE SWEDISH-ADVERSE-DRUG-REACTION-COMMITTEE

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 205  (6) , 451-456
Abstract
Drug-induced deaths (n = 274) in Sweden during a 10-yr period were analyzed. The incidence was remarkably constant, with 25-30 reported cases per year. There is a marked increase with age in the incidence of fatal reactions, more so than for all drug reactions. Women consume more drugs than men and get more reactions, but not more fatal reactions. Anti-inflammatory drugs (antibiotics and sulfonamides) are responsible for 21% of the fatal reactions, followed by oral antidiabetics (9%), oral contraceptives (9%) and antiphlogistic drugs (8%). The blood and the bone marrow are the most susceptible organs, responsible for 40% of the fatal reactions, followed by thromboembolism (10%) and hepatocellular damage (9%). Rapid changes have occurred regarding responsible drugs as well as to the types of adverse reactions encountered.

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