Latebreakers: FDA's toll-free number for reporting adverse events gets nod from pharmacy associations

Pharmacy trade associations expressed support for FDA's new rule that requires pharmacies to provide patients with a toll-free number to report adverse events. FDA said it would start enforcing this rule next January.

The American Pharmacists Association said, "APhA strongly supports efforts to increase active reporting of adverse events by consumers as measures to improve post-marketing surveillance activities are a priority for the association and our members. We also appreciate the FDA's efforts to allow pharmacists time to appropriately implement this regulation."