The Burden of Adverse Drug Reactions Due to Artemisinin-Based Antimalarial Treatment in Selected Ugandan Health Facilities: An Active Follow-Up Study

Introduction Uganda has rapidly increased access to antimalarial medicines in an effort to address the huge malaria disease burden. Pharmacovigilance information is important to guide policy decisions. Objectives The purpose of this study was to establish the burden of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and associated risk factors for developing ADRs to artemisinin-based antimalarial treatment in Uganda. Methods An active follow-up study was conducted between April and July 2017 in a cohort of patients receiving treatment for uncomplicated malaria in the Iganga, Mayuge, and Kampala districts. Results A total of 782 patients with a median age of 22 years (58.6% females) were recruited into this study, with the majority recruited from public health facilities (97%). Diagnostic tests before treatment were performed for 76% of patients, and 97% of patients received artemether/lumefantrine. The prevalence of ADRs was 22.5% (176/782); however, the total number of ADRs was 245 since some patients reported more than one ADR. The most commonly reported reactions were general body weakness (24%), headache (13%), and dizziness (11%). Women were more likely to develop an ADR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–2.9), urban dwellers were more likely to develop an ADR than rural residents (aOR 9.9, 95% CI 5.4–17.9), and patients with comorbidities were more likely to develop an ADR than those without (aOR 7.4, 95% CI 4.4–12.3). Conclusion The burden of ADRs is high among women and in patients from urban settings and those with comorbidities. Such risk factors need to be considered in order to optimise therapy. Close monitoring of ADRs is key in implementation of the malaria treatment policy.