The Impact of the COVID-19 “Infodemic” on Drug-Utilization Behaviors: Implications for Pharmacovigilance

Marco Tuccori (), Irma Convertino, Sara Ferraro, Emiliano Cappello, Giulia Valdiserra, Daniele Focosi and Corrado Blandizzi
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Marco Tuccori: University Hospital of Pisa
Irma Convertino: University Hospital of Pisa
Sara Ferraro: University Hospital of Pisa
Emiliano Cappello: University Hospital of Pisa
Giulia Valdiserra: University Hospital of Pisa
Daniele Focosi: North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank, Pisa University Hospital
Corrado Blandizzi: University Hospital of Pisa

Drug Safety, 2020, vol. 43, issue 8, No 2, 699-709

Abstract: Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that hit the world in 2020 triggered a massive dissemination of information (an “infodemic”) about the disease that was channeled through the print, broadcast, web, and social media. This infodemic also included sensational and distorted information about drugs that likely first influenced opinion leaders and people particularly active on social media and then other people, thus affecting choices by individual patients everywhere. In particular, information has spread about some drugs approved for other indications (chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, favipiravir, and umifenovir) that could have led to inappropriate and therefore hazardous use. In this article, we analyze the rationale behind the claims for use of these drugs in COVID-19, the communication about their effects on the disease, the consequences of this communication on people’s behavior, and the responses of some influential regulatory authorities in an attempt to minimize the actual or potential risks arising from this behavior. Finally, we discuss the role of pharmacovigilance stakeholders in emergency management and possible strategies to deal with other similar crises in the future.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1007/s40264-020-00965-w

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