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Adverse Reaction Reporting and IMMP

Intensive Medicines Monitoring Programme (IMMP)

Web page: last updated April 2008

About the IMMP

The purpose of the Intensive Medicines Monitoring Programme (IMMP) is to identify previously unrecognised adverse reactions to new medicines.  It also develops adverse reaction profiles for these medicines, as well as measuring incidence and characterising reactions of clinical concern.  In addition, the IMMP is able to identify any high-risk groups amongst the patients being treated.  The results of IMMP findings are used to enhance the safe use of medicines.

Which medicines are monitored?

Medicines of a new class may be added to the IMMP so that unknown adverse effects can be identified as soon as possible.  Medicines may also be included in the programme if they are similar to other medicines for which safety concerns exist.  The medicines currently being monitored are listed in the table below.

What to report

Please report all clinical events in patients taking IMMP medicines, including:

• any suspected adverse reaction
• deaths (including cause if known)
• any new clinical events, even if minor or common
• accidents
• change in a pre-existing condition
• abnormal changes in laboratory test results
• possible interactions.

Where to report

Please report all adverse events occurring with IMMP medicines to: IMMP, NZ Pharmacovigilance Centre, PO Box 913, Dunedin.  Use the reporting form inside the back cover of Prescriber Update, or download the form from either the NZ Pharmacovigilance Centre or Medsafe web sites: www.otago.ac.nz/carm or www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/adverse.htm

What to tell patients prescribed IMMP medicines

Please remember to tell patients that they have been prescribed a monitored medicine.  This means the IMMP receives details of their prescriptions and that their doctor may be asked for clinical information on the patient's experience whilst taking this medicine.  If possible, an explanatory IMMP leaflet should be given to the patient (available from the IMMP, NZ Pharmacovigilance Centre, PO Box 913, Dunedin).

Medicines currently monitored by the IMMP (list current at April 2008)

Medicine	Proprietary name(s)
Varenicline	Champix