One of the aims of Real4Reg is to use real-world data to improve knowledge about the safety of medicines. For that, the project uses fluoroquinolones as an example.
Fluoroquinolones are a class of antibiotics – medicines that treat infections caused by bacteria . There are several types of antibiotics being used in different situations. Fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum antibiotics so they can target an extensive range of bacteria and are therefore useful to treat various infections, mostly in the respiratory tract and the urinary tract.
However, some people can experience adverse drug reactions (ADRs) when treated with fluoroquinolones. A fraction of these effects can be serious (e.g., cardiac problems, acute toxic liver diseases, damage to the peripherical nerves). In the last few years, regulatory agencies have paid careful attention to this issue, collecting evidence, and making restrictions on the use of fluoroquinolones when it is considered that the risk is too high.
To find out more about infectious diseases and antibiotics:
Despite these issues of potentially serious side effects, fluoroquinolones are still an important option for treating some infectious diseases, as they are highly effective against a broad range of bacteria. They are particularly useful when other antibiotics are not successful.
Real4Reg will contribute to the optimal and safe treatment of patients with fluoroquinolones by studying which groups are likely to suffer serious adverse events. The project will study adults who initiate oral antibiotics in community-dwelling settings. It will analyse national healthcare registers and claims data by applying artificial intelligence methods.