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Adverse Reaction Database
Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online Database
Find information reported to the Canada Vigilance Program about suspected adverse reactions (side effects) to drugs and other health products, such as prescription and non-prescription medication, natural health products, and radiopharmaceuticals. Information concerning preventative vaccines, blood, blood components, medical devices, and cosmetics is not included in this database. Information concerning preventative vaccines is provided in the 
Vaccine Safety section of the Public Health Agency of Canada Web site.
Note: The database cannot be used on its own to evaluate a health product's safety profile. It does not provide conclusive information on the safety of health products, and is not a substitute for medical advice. Should you have an issue of medical concern, consult a qualified health professional.
Search the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online Database
Data covers time period: 1965 to 2009-06-30.
(The database is updated 4 times a year.)
To search the database, follow these steps:
- Read the Terms and Conditions, Caveat and Privacy Statement.
- Select "I have read the Terms and Conditions, and understand the Caveat and Privacy Statement and I want to search the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online Database" to confirm step 1 and to start your search.
More Information and Database Resources
Download the Data Extract from the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online Database
Data covers time period: 1965 to 2009-06-30.
(The database is updated 4 times a year.)
Users can download ASCII data extract text files from the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online Database, which can be imported into other databases or information systems. Users need to be familiar with database structures and capable of setting up their own queries.
To extract data files from the database, follow these steps:
- Read the Terms and Conditions, Caveat and Privacy Statement.
- Select "I have read the Terms and Conditions, and understand the Caveat and Privacy Statement and I want to download a Data Extract of the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online Database" to confirm step 1 and the Data Extract page including instructions will appear.
More Information and Database Resources
- Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online Database - Data Structure - Details the data structure required to use the data extract file.
- Glossary of Database Fields in the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online Database - Definitions of terms used in the adverse reaction database.
- Interpretation of Adverse Reaction Data - Provides the limitations that are to be taken into account when interpreting adverse reaction report data.
Only suspected adverse reactions to Canadian marketed health products that occur in Canada and are reported to Health Canada are found in the database.
The database contains information which is obtained from reports submitted by health professionals, consumers, manufacturers and distributors. Health professionals and consumers submit reports on a voluntary basis. Manufacturers and distributors are required to submit reports according to the Food and Drugs Regulations.
The database is maintained by the Canada Vigilance Program. Health Canada receives adverse reaction reports daily, including new reports and additional information for reports previously submitted. The database is updated quarterly to reflect this new information.
