Placing Patient Safety First: Preventing side effects and interactions with Medication Analysis

In our latest blog, Dr Philipp Hofmann, Director - Pharmacovigilance & QPPV, explores the significance of medication analysis, particularly for older patients in Germany. Offering a professional assessment, this analysis addresses crucial questions regarding potential adverse drug reactions and interactions. Dr Hofmann provides a comprehensive overview of how this analysis works, from the initial appointment to the follow-up discussion, highlighting how it can lead to optimized medication plans and reduced risks of adverse reactions. Ultimately, this new offering serves as a vital bridge for patients transitioning from hospital to general practice, ensuring a smoother, safer healthcare journey.

A medication analysis at the pharmacy can be particularly useful for older patients.

Dr Philipp Hofmann

Director - Pharmacovigilance & QPPV,

Navitas Life Sciences

An assessment by a professional is helpful in many situations. For example, when it comes to the question of whether all the medicines you regularly take can have adverse drug reactions or interactions. If you would like advice on this question, you can get it at the pharmacy as part of a medication analysis.

Why is this important? Many older people are prescribed medicines that are potentially unsuitable for them. This is shown by a current analysis of the Scientific Institute of the AOK (Wido) in Germany. An example is that certain active substances increase the risk of falling in the elderly population.

The costs for a medication analysis in the pharmacy will be borne by the Health Insurance under certain conditions; in Germany since mid-2022. This will be done once a year for all insured persons who take at least five medicines prescribed by a doctor on a permanent basis.

How does such a medication analysis work?

If you want to take advantage of the offer, you make an appointment with the pharmacy. This analysis includes medicines prescribed by your doctor, but also food supplements, self-medication, doctor’s letters, discharge letters from the hospital, and laboratory results. The pharmacist records all these medications and their dosages and asks further questions, for example about complaints or dietary habits.

After the initial evaluation, a second meeting is scheduled, during which findings, problems and risks are discussed and possible solutions are discussed. A change in the medication plan can be considered, e.g. a different active substance or dosage adjustment. Frequently certain medicines are discontinued, as they are considered as relics from former medication plans, for instance after a hospital stay.

The regular medication analysis by a pharmacist helps to reduce the number of adverse drug reactions and interactions of medication plans. This new offer improves the process for patients who were hospitalised and discharged. During that period, there is not always sufficient time for a detailed handover between hospital and the general practice. Patients then simply continue to take medication even though it is no longer necessary. This process can reduce the number of reportable adverse drug reactions and interactions.

Leverage Navitas Life Sciences' Extensive Network of QPPVs

In the realm of pharmaceutical safety, the role of a Qualified Person for Pharmacovigilance (QPPV) holds paramount importance. Mandated by law, the QPPV assumes personal responsibility for the safety of human pharmaceutical products within the European Union (EU). This pivotal figure must be based in the EU and possess the capacity to offer global support, facilitated by both in-house QPPVs and an extensive network of Local QPPVs.

Get Tailored Solutions for your Local and Global QPPV Needs

Selecting the right QPPV partner is a critical decision, one that hinges on access to a network of seasoned local experts and the ability to deliver tailored, scalable solutions to meet specific requirements.

Navitas Life Sciences is your strategic partner for end-to-end solutions that transcend traditional QPPV responsibilities. Our offerings include the holistic management of safety reporting, transparent communications, and unwavering support for all stakeholders involved in the pharmacovigilance process.

Spontaneous Reporting System for Adverse Drug Reactions in Germany

The article delves into how adverse drug reactions (ADRs) pose a substantial health concern for individuals and society due to their role in causing illness and death, incurring significant healthcare expenses, and negatively affecting the well-being of those affected. It also explores how doctors and pharmacists have a professional duty to report ADRs to their respective drug commissions, specifically designated for physicians or pharmacists.

Download the article and get insights on

• Identifying ADRs and building reporting strategies
• COVID-19 and the obligation to report ADRs in Germany
• Utilizing a Europe-wide database for ADR
• Utilizing AI for better risk assessment

Read Now

Dr Philipp Hofmann

Director - Pharmacovigilance & QPPV

Navitas Life Sciences

Published by Applied Clinical Trials - July 2023

To learn more about our services and solutions, reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.