Health Canada's CADRIS Database Open for Public Access

Health Canada has launched a searchable online database that will provide direct public access to the agency's adverse-event data for the first time.

The online database is linked to Health Canada's Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Information System (CADRIS), which compiles adverse events that have occurred in Canada with Canadian marketed health products. The reports are submitted to the agency by manufacturers, healthcare professionals and consumers.

Previously, adverse-event reports from CADRIS were available only by request, with a minimum waiting period of two weeks.

The public database, which will be updated on a quarterly basis, can be searched by the following criteria: health product name or active ingredient, date received at the Marketed Health Products Directorate, health product involvement, patient age, patient gender, and/or outcome of the report.

To view Health Canada's database, go to http://hc-sc.gc.ca/hpfb-dgpsa/tpd-dpt/cadrmp-pcseim/index_e.html (http://hc-sc.gc.ca/hpfb-dgpsa/tpd-dpt/cadrmp-pcseim/index_e.html).