Adverse reactions to medicines on the rise
More than 9,700 cases of adverse reactions to medicines were reported in Shanghai in the second quarter of this year, a rise of 6.75 percent from the same period last year, the city's drug watchdog announced over the weekend.
But most were not serious.
A total of 48.56 percent involved people 65 or above, and 59.24 percent were women, according to the Shanghai Drug Administration.
Of the 9,717 cases, 267 were serious.
Anti-infectious, cardiovascular, tumor, mental disorder and nervous system drugs topped the list.
Intravenous drips accounted for 37.82 percent, while 52.97 percent were orally taken.
Among these cases, 26.49 percent caused harm to the stomach and intestines, followed by skin (22.11 percent), and the nervous system (12.13 percent), the administration said.
Symptoms included rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, gastrointestinal reaction, allergic reaction, decreases in leukocytes, phlebitis, fatigue and edema.
Ninety-four percent of cases were reported by medical institutions, and the rest by drug companies.