Patrick Ridgeway is an entrepreneur who works to advance molecular testing in the commercial health care market. In addition, Patrick Ridgeway serves as a managing partner of a New Orleans-based pharmaceutical firm, where he draws on his expertise in women’s health care, innovative genetic treatments, and the financial impact of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) on the health care system.
Also known as adverse drugs effects, ADRs are defined as a harmful or unpleasant reaction to a medication. They drive up health care system costs and use as the cause of 3-7 percent of all hospitalizations. ADRs range from mild side effects to serious complications such as death. Therefore, ADRs are classified into one of four categories:
- Mild - Mild reactions include common effects--such as drowsiness or constipation--that do not require treatment.
- Moderate - Moderate side effects, such as hypertension, can sometimes result in a prolonged hospital stay. If an individual experiences moderate effects, the dosage is often modified.
- Severe - A life-threatening reaction that requires immediate treatment is classified as a severe reaction. The medication that caused the effect is discontinued immediately.
- Lethal - The most severe reaction, a lethal ADR causes or contributes directly to an individual's death.
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