Table of Contents

SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION.. 1

1.1 Objectives of this Document 1

1.2 Uses of MedDRA.. 2

1.3 How to Use this Document 2

1.4 Preferred Option. 2

1.5 MedDRA Browsing Tools. 2

SECTION 2 – GENERAL TERM SELECTION PRINCIPLES.. 3

2.1 Quality of Source Data. 3

2.2 Quality Assurance. 3

2.3 Do Not Alter MedDRA.. 3

2.4 Always Select a Lowest Level Term.. 4

2.5 Select Only Current Lowest Level Terms. 5

2.6 When to Request a Term.. 5

2.7 Use of Medical Judgment in Term Selection. 5

2.8 Selecting More than One Term.. 5

2.9 Check the Hierarchy. 6

2.10 Select Terms for All Reported Information, Do Not Add Information. 6

SECTION 3 – TERM SELECTION POINTS.. 7

3.1 Definitive and Provisional Diagnoses with or without Signs and Symptoms. 7

3.2 Death and Other Patient Outcomes. 10

3.2.1 Death with ARs/AEs. 10

3.2.2 Death as the only reported information. 11

3.2.3 Death terms that add important clinical information. 11

3.2.4 Other patient outcomes (non-fatal) 12

3.3 Suicide and Self-Harm.. 12

3.3.1 If overdose is reported. 12

3.3.2 If self-injury is reported. 12

3.3.3 Fatal suicide attempt 13

3.4 Conflicting/Ambiguous/Vague Information. 13

3.4.1 Conflicting information. 13

3.4.2 Ambiguous information. 14

3.4.3 Vague information. 14

3.5 Combination Terms. 15

3.5.1 Diagnosis and sign/symptom.. 15

3.5.2 One reported condition is more specific than the other 15

3.5.3 A MedDRA combination term is available. 16

3.5.4 When to “split” into more than one MedDRA term.. 16

3.5.5 Event reported with pre-existing condition. 17

3.6 Age vs. Event Specificity. 17

3.6.1 MedDRA term includes age and event information. 17

3.6.2 No available MedDRA term includes both age and event information. 17

3.7 Body Site vs. Event Specificity. 18

3.7.1 MedDRA term includes body site and event information. 18

3.7.2 No available MedDRA term includes both body site and event information. 18

3.7.3 Event occurring at multiple body sites. 18

3.8 Location-Specific vs. Microorganism-Specific Infection. 19

3.8.1 MedDRA term includes microorganism and anatomic location 19

3.8.2 No available MedDRA term includes both microorganism and anatomic location. 19

3.9 Modification of Pre-existing Conditions. 20

3.10 Exposures during Pregnancy and Breast Feeding. 21

3.10.1 Events in the mother 21

3.10.2 Events in the child or foetus. 22

3.11 Congenital Terms. 23

3.11.1 Congenital conditions. 23

3.11.2 Acquired conditions (not present at birth) 23

3.11.3 Conditions not specified as either congenital or acquired. 24

3.12 Neoplasms. 25

3.12.1 Do not infer malignancy. 25

3.13 Medical and Surgical Procedures. 25

3.13.1 Only the procedure is reported. 25

3.13.2 Procedure and diagnosis are reported. 26

3.14 Investigations. 26

3.14.1 Results of investigations as ARs/AEs. 26

3.14.2 Investigation results consistent with diagnosis. 27

3.14.3 Investigation results not consistent with diagnosis. 28

3.14.4 Grouped investigation result terms. 28

3.14.5 Investigation terms without qualifiers. 28

3.15 Medication Errors, Accidental Exposures and Occupational Exposures. 29

3.15.1 Medication errors. 29

3.15.1.1 Medication errors reported with clinical consequences. 29

3.15.1.2 Medication errors and potential medication errors reported without clinical consequences. 29

3.15.1.3 Medication monitoring errors. 29

3.15.1.4 Do not infer a medication error. 29

3.15.2 Accidental exposures and occupational exposures. 35

3.16 Misuse, Abuse and Addiction. 36

3.16.1 Misuse. 37

3.16.2 Abuse. 37

3.16.3 Addiction. 38

3.16.4 Drug diversion. 39

3.17 Transmission of Infectious Agent via Product 39

3.18 Overdose, Toxicity and Poisoning. 39

3.18.1 Overdose reported with clinical consequences. 40

3.18.2 Overdose reported without clinical consequences. 41

3.19 Device-related Terms. 41

3.19.1 Device-related event reported with clinical consequences. 41

3.19.2 Device-related event reported without clinical consequences. 42

3.20 Drug Interactions. 42

3.20.1 Reporter specifically states an interaction. 42

3.20.2 Reporter does not specifically state an interaction. 43

3.21 No Adverse Effect and “Normal” Terms. 43

3.21.1 No adverse effect 43

3.21.2 Use of “normal” terms. 43

3.22 Unexpected Therapeutic Effect 44

3.23 Modification of Effect 44

3.23.1 Lack of effect 44

3.23.2 Do not infer lack of effect 44

3.23.3 Increased, decreased and prolonged effect 45

3.24 Social Circumstances. 45

3.24.1 Use of terms in this SOC.. 45

3.24.2 Illegal acts of crime or abuse. 46

3.25 Medical and Social History. 47

3.26 Indication for Product Use. 47

3.26.1 Medical conditions. 47

3.26.2 Complex indications. 48

3.26.3 Indications with genetic markers or abnormalities. 49

3.26.4 Prevention and prophylaxis. 49

3.26.5 Procedures and diagnostic tests as indications. 50

3.26.6 Supplementation and replacement therapies. 50

3.26.7 Indication not reported. 50

3.27 Off Label Use. 51

3.27.1 Off label use when reported as an indication. 51

3.27.2 Off label use when reported with an AR/AE.. 52

3.28 Product Quality Issues. 53

3.28.1 Product quality issue reported with clinical consequences. 53

3.28.2 Product quality issue reported without clinical consequences. 54

3.28.3 Product quality issue vs. medication error 54

SECTION 4 – APPENDIX.. 55

4.1 Versioning. 55

4.1.1 Versioning methodologies. 55

4.1.2 Timing of version implementation. 57

4.2 Links and References. 57


 

MedDRA® TERM SELECTION:
POINTS TO CONSIDER

ICH-Endorsed Guide for MedDRA Users

Release 4.24

 

March 2024

 

Disclaimer and Copyright Notice

This document is protected by copyright and may, with the exception of the MedDRA and ICH logos, be used, reproduced, incorporated into other works, adapted, modified, translated or distributed under a public license provided that ICH's copyright in the document is acknowledged at all times. In case of any adaption, modification or translation of the document, reasonable steps must be taken to clearly label, demarcate or otherwise identify that changes were made to or based on the original document. Any impression that the adaption, modification or translation of the original document is endorsed or sponsored by the ICH must be avoided.

The document is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. In no event shall the ICH or the authors of the original document be liable for any claim, damages or other liability arising from the use of the document.

The above-mentioned permissions do not apply to content supplied by third parties. Therefore, for documents where the copyright vests in a third party, permission for reproduction must be obtained from this copyright holder.

 

MedDRA® trademark is registered by ICH

 




SECTION 1         INTRODUCTION

The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities terminology (MedDRA) was designed for sharing regulatory information for human medical products. In order for MedDRA to harmonise the exchange of coded data, users should be consistent in the assignment of terms to verbatim reports of symptoms, signs, diseases, etc.

This MedDRA Term Selection: Points to Consider (MTS:PTC) document is an ICH-endorsed guide for MedDRA users. It is updated annually in step with the March release of MedDRA (starting with MedDRA Version 23.0) and is support documentation for MedDRA. It was developed and is maintained by a working group charged by the ICH Management Committee. The working group consists of representatives of ICH regulatory and industry members, the World Health Organization, the MedDRA Maintenance and Support Services Organization (MSSO), and the Japanese Maintenance Organization (JMO) (see the M1 MedDRA Terminology page under Multidisciplinary Guidelines on the ICH website for a list of current members).

In addition, the working group has developed a condensed version of the MTS:PTC document which focuses on the fundamental principles of term selection and is intended to support the implementation and use of MedDRA in the ICH regions and beyond (see Appendix, Section 4.2). It is available in all MedDRA languages except for English, Japanese, and other languages with an available translation of the full MTS:PTC document. The full MTS:PTC document in its various translations will continue to be maintained and updated as the complete reference document.

1.1        Objectives of this Document

The objective of the MTS:PTC document is to promote accurate and consistent term selection.

Organisations are encouraged to document their term selection methods and quality assurance procedures in organisation-specific coding guidelines which should be consistent with the MTS:PTC.

Consistent term selection promotes medical accuracy for sharing MedDRA-coded data and facilitates a common understanding of shared data among academic, commercial and regulatory entities. The MTS:PTC could also be used by healthcare professionals, researchers, and other parties outside of the regulated biopharmaceutical industry.

The document provides term selection considerations for business purposes and regulatory requirements. There may be examples that do not reflect practices and requirements in all regions. This document does not specify regulatory reporting requirements, nor does it address database issues. As experience with MedDRA increases, and as MedDRA changes, there will be revisions to this document.

1.2        Uses of MedDRA

Term selection for adverse reactions/adverse events (ARs/AEs), device-related events, product quality issues, medication errors, exposures, medical history, social history, investigations, misuse and abuse, off label use, and indications is addressed in this MTS:PTC document.

MedDRA's structure allows for aggregation of those reported terms in medically meaningful groupings to facilitate analysis of safety data. MedDRA can also be used to list AR/AE data in reports (tables, line listings, etc.), compute frequencies of similar ARs/AEs, and capture and analyse related data such as product indications, investigations, and medical and social history.

1.3        How to Use this Document

The MTS:PTC document does not address every potential term selection situation. Medical judgment and common sense should also be applied.

This document is not a substitute for MedDRA training. It is essential for users to have knowledge of MedDRA's structure and content. For optimal MedDRA term selection, one should also refer to the MedDRA Introductory Guide (see Appendix, Section 4.2).

Users are invited to contact the MSSO Help Desk with any questions or comments about this MTS:PTC document.

1.4        Preferred Option

In some cases, where there is more than one option for selecting terms, a preferred option is identified in this document. Designation of a preferred option does not limit MedDRA users to applying that option. Users should always first consider regional regulatory requirements. An organisation should be consistent in the option that they choose to use and document that option in internal coding guidelines.

1.5        MedDRA Browsing Tools

The MSSO provides browsers (the Desktop, Web-Based, and Mobile browsers) that allow for searching and viewing the terminology (see Appendix, Section 4.2). Users may find these browsers useful aids in term selection.


 

SECTION 2         GENERAL TERM SELECTION PRINCIPLES

2.1        Quality of Source Data

The quality of the original reported information directly impacts the quality of data output. Clarification should be obtained for data that are ambiguous, confusing, or unintelligible. If clarification cannot be obtained, refer to Section 3.4.

2.2        Quality Assurance

To promote consistency, organisations should document their term selection methods and quality assurance procedures in coding guidelines consistent with this MTS:PTC document.

Clear initial data can be promoted through careful design of data collection forms, and training of individuals in data collection and follow-up (e.g., investigators, drug sales representatives).

Term selection should be reviewed by a qualified individual, i.e., a person with medical background or training who has also received MedDRA training.

Human oversight of term selection performed by IT tools (such as an autoencoder) is needed to assure that the end result fully reflects the reported information and makes medical sense.

For further information, please refer to Section 2 of the MedDRA Points to Consider Companion Document which contains detailed examples and guidance on data quality (see Appendix, Section 4.2).

2.3        Do Not Alter MedDRA

MedDRA is a standardised terminology with a pre-defined term hierarchy that should not be altered. Users must not make ad hoc structural alterations to MedDRA, including changing the primary SOC allocation; doing so would compromise the integrity of this standard. If terms are found to be incorrectly placed in the MedDRA hierarchy, a change request should be submitted to the MSSO.

Example

Change Request to Re-Assign Primary SOC

In a previous version of MedDRA, PT Factor VIII deficiency was incorrectly assigned to primary SOC Blood and lymphatic system disorders. By means of a Change Request, the PT was re-assigned to primary SOC Congenital, familial and genetic disorders (making SOC Blood and lymphatic system disorders its secondary SOC assignment).

2.4        Always Select a Lowest Level Term

MedDRA Lowest Level Term(s) (LLT) that most accurately reflects the reported verbatim information should be selected.

The degree of specificity of some MedDRA LLTs may be challenging for term selection. Here are some tips for specific instances:

  • A single letter difference in a reported verbatim text can impact the meaning of the word and consequently the term selection

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Lip sore

Lip sore (PT Lip pain)

Lip sores

Sores lip (PT Cheilitis)

Sore gums

Sore gums (PT Gingival pain)

Sores gum

Sores gum (PT Noninfective gingivitis)

 

  • Gender-specific terms

MedDRA generally excludes terms with demographic descriptors (age, gender, etc.), but some terms with gender qualifiers are included if the gender renders the concept unique.

Example

Distinct Gender-Specific Terms

In MedDRA, there are separate LLTs/PTs for

Infertility, Infertility female and Infertility male

 

Organisation-specific coding guidelines should address instances when it is important to capture gender-specific concepts.

MedDRA users should also consider the impact of gender-specific terms when comparing current data to data coded with a legacy terminology in which such gender specificity may not have been available.

Example

Gender Specificity Legacy Terms vs. MedDRA

Consider the impact of selecting gender-specific MedDRA terms for breast cancer (e.g., LLT Breast cancer female) when comparing data coded in a legacy terminology with only a single Breast cancer term.

 

  • Postoperative and post procedural terms

MedDRA contains some postoperative and post procedural terms. Select the most specific term available.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Bleeding after surgery

Bleeding postoperative

Sepsis occurred after the procedure

Post procedural sepsis

 

  • Newly added terms

More specific LLTs may be available in a new version of MedDRA. See Appendix, Section 4.2.

2.5        Select Only Current Lowest Level Terms

Non-current LLTs should not be used for term selection.

2.6        When to Request a Term

Do not address deficiencies in MedDRA with organisation-specific solutions. If there is no MedDRA term available to adequately reflect the reported information, submit a change request to MSSO.

Example

Change Request for a New Term

LLT HBV coinfection was added to MedDRA following a user's request.

2.7        Use of Medical Judgment in Term Selection

If an exact match cannot be found, medical judgment should be used to adequately represent the medical concept with an existing MedDRA term.

2.8        Selecting More than One Term

When a specific medical concept is not represented by a single MedDRA term, consider requesting a new term through the change request process (see Section 2.6). Whilst waiting for the new term, select one or more existing terms using a consistent approach with careful consideration of the impact on data retrieval, analysis, and reporting.

In some cases, it may be appropriate to select more than one MedDRA LLT to represent the reported information. If only one term is selected, specificity may be lost; on the other hand, selecting more than one term may lead to redundant counts. Established procedures should be documented.

Example

More Than One LLT Selected

There is no single MedDRA term for metastatic gingival cancer . Therefore, the options are:

  1. Select LLT Gingival cancer OR LLT Metastatic carcinoma
  2. Select LLT Gingival cancer AND LLT Metastatic carcinoma

2.9        Check the Hierarchy

When considering selecting an LLT, check the hierarchy above the LLT (PT level and further up the hierarchy to HLT, HLGT and SOC) to ensure the placement accurately reflects the meaning of the reported term.

2.10     Select Terms for All Reported Information, Do Not Add Information

Select terms for every AR/AE reported, regardless of causal association. In addition, select terms for device-related events, product quality issues, medication errors, medical history, social history, investigations, and indications as appropriate.

If a diagnosis is reported with characteristic signs and symptoms, the preferred option is to select a term for the diagnosis only (see Section 3.1 for details and examples).

When selecting terms, no reported information should be excluded from the term selection process; similarly, do not add information by selecting a term for a diagnosis if only signs or symptoms are reported.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Abdominal pain, increased serum amylase, and increased serum lipase

Abdominal pain

It is inappropriate to assign an LLT for diagnosis of pancreatitis

Serum amylase increased

Lipase increased


 

SECTION 3         TERM SELECTION POINTS

3.1        Definitive and Provisional Diagnoses with or without Signs and Symptoms

The table below provides term selection options for definitive and provisional diagnoses with or without signs/symptoms reported. Examples are listed below the table.

A provisional diagnosis may be described as suspicion of , probable , presumed , likely , rule out , questionable , differential , etc.

The preferred option for a single or multiple provisional diagnosis(es) is to select a term(s) for the diagnosis(es) and terms for reported signs and symptoms. This is because a provisional diagnosis may change while signs/symptoms do not.


 

 

SUMMARY OF PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE OPTIONS

SINGLE DIAGNOSIS

DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS

PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSIS

Single definitive diagnosis
without signs/symptoms

  • Diagnosis (only possible option)

Single provisional diagnosis
without signs/symptoms

  • Provisional diagnosis (only possible option)

Single definitive diagnosis
with signs/symptoms

  • Preferred: Diagnosis only
  • Alternate: Diagnosis and signs/symptoms

Note: Always include signs/symptoms not associated with diagnosis

SEE EXAMPLE 1

 

Single provisional diagnosis
with signs/symptoms

  • Preferred: Provisional diagnosis and signs/symptoms
  • Alternate: Signs/symptoms only

Note: Always include signs/symptoms not associated with diagnosis

SEE EXAMPLE 2

MULTIPLE DIAGNOSES

DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSES

PROVISIONAL DIAGNOSES

Multiple definitive diagnoses
without signs/symptoms

  • Multiple diagnoses (only possible option)

Multiple provisional diagnoses
without signs/symptoms

  • Multiple provisional diagnoses (only possible option)

Multiple definitive diagnoses
with signs/symptoms

  • Preferred: Multiple diagnoses only
  • Alternate: Diagnoses and signs/symptoms

Note: Always include signs/symptoms not associated with diagnosis

SEE EXAMPLE 3

Multiple provisional diagnoses
with signs/symptoms

  • Preferred: Multiple provisional diagnoses and signs/symptoms
  • Alternate: Signs/symptoms only

Note: Always include signs/symptoms not associated with diagnosis

SEE EXAMPLE 4

 


 

EXAMPLES

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Preferred Option

1

Anaphylactic reaction, rash dyspnoea, hypotension,
and laryngospasm

Anaphylactic reaction

Anaphylactic reaction

Rash

Dyspnoea

Hypotension

Laryngospasm

 

2

Possible myocardial infarction with chest pain,
dyspnoea, diaphoresis

Myocardial infarction

Chest pain

Dyspnoea

Diaphoresis

Chest pain

Dyspnoea

Diaphoresis

 

3

Pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure with chest pain, cyanosis, shortness of breath, and blood pressure decreased

Pulmonary embolism

Myocardial infarction

Congestive heart failure

Pulmonary embolism

Myocardial infarction

Congestive heart failure

Chest pain

Cyanosis

Shortness of breath

Blood pressure decreased

 

4

Chest pain, cyanosis, shortness of breath, and blood pressure decreased. Differential diagnosis includes pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure.

Pulmonary embolism

Myocardial infarction

Congestive heart failure

Chest pain

Cyanosis

Shortness of breath

Blood pressure decreased

Chest pain

Cyanosis

Shortness of breath

Blood pressure decreased

 

Always include signs/ symptoms not associated with diagnosis

Myocardial infarction, chest pain, dyspnoea, diaphoresis, ECG changes and jaundice

Myocardial infarction

Jaundice (note that jaundice is not typically associated with myocardial infarction)

 

3.2        Death and Other Patient Outcomes

Death, disability, and hospitalisation are considered outcomes in the context of safety reporting and not usually considered ARs/AEs. Outcomes are typically recorded in a separate manner (data field) from AR/AE information. A term for the outcome should be selected if it is the only information reported or provides significant clinical information.

(For reports of suicide and self-harm, see Section 3.3).

3.2.1        Death with ARs/AEs

Death is an outcome and not usually considered an AR/AE. If ARs/AEs are reported along with death, select terms for the ARs/AEs. Record the fatal outcome in an appropriate data field.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Death due to myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction

Record death as an outcome

Constipation, ruptured bowel, peritonitis, sepsis; patient died

Constipation

Perforated bowel

Peritonitis

Sepsis

3.2.2        Death as the only reported information

If the only information reported is death, select the most specific death term available. Circumstances of death should not be inferred but recorded only if stated by the reporter.

Death terms in MedDRA are linked to HLGT Fatal outcomes.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Patient was found dead

Found dead

Patient died in childbirth

Maternal death during childbirth

The autopsy report stated that the cause of death was natural

Death from natural causes

3.2.3        Death terms that add important clinical information

Death terms that add important clinical information should be selected along with any reported ARs/AEs.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Patient experienced a rash and had sudden cardiac death

Rash

Sudden cardiac death

3.2.4        Other patient outcomes (non-fatal)

Hospitalisation, disability, and other patient outcomes are not generally considered ARs/AEs.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Hospitalisation due to congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure

Record hospitalisation as an outcome

 

If the only information reported is the patient outcome, select the most specific term available.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Patient was hospitalised

Hospitalisation

3.3        Suicide and Self-Harm

Accurate and consistent term selection for reports of suicide attempts, completed suicides, and self-harm is necessary for data retrieval and analysis. If the motive for reported injury is not clear, seek clarification from the source.

3.3.1        If overdose is reported

Do not assume that an overdose including an intentional overdose is a suicide attempt. Select only the appropriate overdose term (see Section 3.18).

3.3.2        If self-injury is reported

For reports of self-injury that do not mention suicide or suicide attempt, select only the appropriate self-injury term.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Self slashing

Self inflicted laceration

LLT Self inflicted laceration is linked to PT Intentional self-injury

Cut her own wrists

Cut wrists in a suicide attempt

Self inflicted laceration

Suicide attempt

 

Took an overdose in an attempt to commit suicide

Intentional overdose

Suicide attempt

If overdose is reported in the context of suicide or a suicide attempt, the more specific LLT Intentional overdose can be selected (see also Section 3.18)

3.3.3        Fatal suicide attempt

If a suicide attempt is fatal, select the term that reflects the outcome instead of the attempt only.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Suicide attempt resulted in death

Completed suicide

Record death as an outcome

 

3.4        Conflicting/Ambiguous/Vague Information

When conflicting, ambiguous, or vague information is reported, term selection to support appropriate data retrieval may be difficult. When this occurs, attempt to obtain more specific information. If clarification cannot be achieved, select terms as illustrated in the examples below (Sections 3.4.1 through 3.4.3).

3.4.1        Conflicting information

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Hyperkalaemia with a serum potassium of 1.6 mEq/L

Serum potassium abnormal

LLT Serum potassium abnormal covers both of the reported concepts (note: serum potassium of 1.6 mEq/L is a low result, not high)

3.4.2        Ambiguous information

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

GU pain

Pain

Effort should be made to obtain clarification of the meaning of "GU" from the source so that more specific term selection may be possible. GU could be either genito-urinary or gastric ulcer . If additional information is not available, then select a term to reflect the information that is known, i.e., LLT Pain

3.4.3        Vague information

For information that is vague, attempt to obtain clarification. If clarification cannot be achieved, select an LLT that reflects the vague nature of the reported event.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Turned green

Unevaluable event

Turned green reported alone is vague; this could refer to a patient condition or even to a product (e.g., pills)

Patient had a medical problem of unclear type

Ill-defined disorder

Since it is known that there is some form of a medical disorder, LLT Ill-defined disorder can be selected

3.5        Combination Terms

A combination term in MedDRA is a single medical concept combined with additional medical wording that provides important information on pathophysiology or aetiology. A combination term is an internationally recognised, distinct and robust medical concept as illustrated in the examples below.

Example

MedDRA Combination Terms

PT Diabetic retinopathy

PT Hypertensive cardiomegaly

PT Eosinophilic pneumonia

 

A combination term may be selected for certain reported ARs/AEs (e.g., a condition due to another condition), keeping the following points in mind (Note: medical judgment should be applied):

3.5.1        Diagnosis and sign/symptom

If a diagnosis and its characteristic signs or symptoms are reported, select a term for the diagnosis (see Section 3.1). A MedDRA combination term is not needed in this instance.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Chest pain due to myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction

3.5.2        One reported condition is more specific than the other

If two conditions are reported in combination, and one is more specific than the other, select a term for the more specific condition.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Hepatic function disorder (acute hepatitis)

Hepatitis acute

Arrhythmia due to atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation

 

3.5.3        A MedDRA combination term is available

If two conditions or concepts are reported in combination, and a single MedDRA combination term is available to represent them, select that term.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Retinopathy due to diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy

Rash with itching

Itchy rash

Breast cancer (HER2 positive)

HER2 positive breast cancer

3.5.4        When to split into more than one MedDRA term

If splitting the reported ARs/AEs provides more clinical information, select more than one MedDRA term. For example, in the field of oncology, there may be situations in which it is important to capture information not only for the tumour type, but also for the associated genetic marker or abnormality because of the implications for aetiology, prognosis or treatment. If a combination term that describes a genetic marker or abnormality associated with a medical condition is not available, separate terms may be selected to represent the genetic marker or abnormality as well as the associated medical condition.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Diarrhoea and vomiting

Diarrhoea

Vomiting

Wrist fracture due to fall

Wrist fracture

Fall

BRAF positive malignant melanoma

BRAF gene mutation

Malignant melanoma

 

Exercise medical judgment so that information is not lost when splitting a reported term. Always check the MedDRA hierarchy above the selected term to be sure it is appropriate for the reported information.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Haematoma due to an animal bite

Animal bite

Traumatic haematoma

LLT Traumatic haematoma is more appropriate than LLT Haematoma (LLT Traumatic haematoma links to HLT Non-site specific injuries NEC and HLT Haemorrhages NEC while LLT Haematoma links only to HLT Haemorrhages NEC)

 

3.5.5        Event reported with pre-existing condition

If an event is reported along with a pre-existing condition that has not changed, and if there is not an appropriate combination term in MedDRA, select a term for the event only (see Section 3.9 for pre-existing conditions that have changed).

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Shortness of breath due to pre-existing cancer

Shortness of breath

In this instance, shortness of breath is the event; cancer is the pre-existing condition that has not changed

3.6        Age vs. Event Specificity

3.6.1        MedDRA term includes age and event information

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Jaundice in a newborn

Jaundice of newborn

Developed psychosis at age 6 years

Childhood psychosis

3.6.2        No available MedDRA term includes both age and event information

The preferred option is to select a term for the event and record the age in the appropriate demographic field.

Alternatively, select terms (more than one) that together reflect both the age of the patient and the event.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Preferred Option

Pancreatitis in a newborn

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis

Neonatal disorder

 

3.7        Body Site vs. Event Specificity

3.7.1        MedDRA term includes body site and event information

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Skin rash on face

Rash on face

3.7.2        No available MedDRA term includes both body site and event information

Select a term for the event, rather than a term that reflects a non-specific condition at the body site; in other words, the event information generally has priority.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Skin rash on chest

Skin rash

In this instance, there is no available term for a skin rash on the chest

 

However, medical judgment is required, and sometimes, the body site information should have priority as in the example below.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Cyanosis at injection site

Injection site discolouration

Cyanosis may suggest a generalised disorder. In this example, selecting LLT Cyanosis would result in loss of important medical information and miscommunication.

3.7.3        Event occurring at multiple body sites

If an event is reported to occur at more than one body site, and if all of those LLTs link to the same PT, then select a single LLT that most accurately reflects the event; in other words, the event information has priority.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Skin rash on face and neck

Skin rash

LLT Rash on face, LLT Neck rash, and LLT Skin rash all link to PT Rash

Oedema of hands and feet

Oedema of extremities

LLT Oedema hands and LLT Oedematous feet both link to PT Oedema peripheral. However, LLT Oedema of extremities most accurately reflects the event in a single term

3.8        Location-Specific vs. Microorganism-Specific Infection

3.8.1        MedDRA term includes microorganism and anatomic location

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Pneumococcal pneumonia

Pneumococcal pneumonia

In this example, the implied anatomic location is the lung

3.8.2        No available MedDRA term includes both microorganism and anatomic location

The preferred option is to select terms for both the microorganism-specific infection and the anatomic location.

Alternatively, select a term that reflects the anatomic location or select a term that reflects the microorganism-specific infection. Medical judgment should be used in deciding whether anatomic location or the microorganism-specific infection should take priority.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Preferred Option

Comment

Klebsiella kidney infection

Klebsiella infection

Kidney infection

Represents both microorganism-specific infection and anatomic location

Kidney infection

 

Represents location-specific infection

Klebsiella infection

 

Represents microorganism-specific infection

3.9        Modification of Pre-existing Conditions

Pre-existing conditions that have changed may be considered ARs/AEs, especially if the condition has worsened or progressed (see Section 3.5.5 for pre-existing conditions that have not changed, and Section 3.22 for an unexpected improvement of a pre-existing condition).

Ways That Pre-existing Conditions May Be Modified

Aggravated, exacerbated, worsened

Recurrent

Progressive

 

Select a term that most accurately reflects the modified condition (if such term exists)

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Exacerbation of myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis aggravated

 

If no such term exists, consider these approaches:

  Example 1: Select a term for the pre-existing condition and record the modification in a consistent, documented way in appropriate data fields

  Example 2: Select a term for the pre-existing condition and a second term for the modification of the condition (e.g., LLT Condition aggravated, LLT Disease progression). Record the modification in a consistent, documented way in appropriate data fields.

Example

Examples

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Example 1

Jaundice aggravated

Jaundice

Record aggravated in a consistent, documented way.

Example 2

Jaundice aggravated

Jaundice

Condition aggravated

Record aggravated in a consistent, documented way. Select terms for the pre-existing condition and the modification.

 

3.10     Exposures during Pregnancy and Breast Feeding

To select the most appropriate exposure term (or terms) from HLT Exposures associated with pregnancy, delivery and lactation, first determine if the subject/patient who was exposed is the mother, the child/foetus, or the father. If the reported verbatim information does not specify who was exposed, then a general term such as LLT Exposure during pregnancy can be selected.

In addition, MedDRA includes terms indicating a pregnant or breastfeeding woman was exposed, which are placed in HLTs other than HLT Exposures associated with pregnancy, delivery and lactation. These terms include e.g., PT Maternal immunisation, PT Maternal therapy to enhance foetal lung maturity and PT Maternal-foetal therapy, as well as several PTs relating to pregnancy on contraceptive. Selecting pregnancy/breast-feeding exposure terms may be considered in addition, depending on the specific circumstances of each case.

3.10.1     Events in the mother

3.10.1.1   Pregnant patient exposed to medication with clinical consequences

If a pregnancy exposure is reported with clinical consequences, select terms for both the pregnancy exposure and the clinical consequences.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Pregnant patient receiving drug X experienced a pruritic rash

Maternal exposure during pregnancy

Pruritic rash

3.10.1.2   Pregnant patient exposed to medication without clinical consequences

If a pregnancy exposure report specifically states that there were no clinical consequences, the preferred option is to select only a term for the pregnancy exposure. Alternatively, a term for the pregnancy exposure and the additional LLT No adverse effect can be selected (see Section 3.21).

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Preferred Option

Patient received drug X while pregnant (no adverse effect)

Maternal exposure during pregnancy

Maternal exposure during pregnancy

No adverse effect

 

3.10.2     Events in the child or foetus

Select terms for both the type of exposure and any adverse event(s).

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Pregnant woman taking drug X; foetal tachycardia noted on routine examination

Maternal exposure during pregnancy

Foetal tachycardia

Baby born with cleft palate; father had been taking drug X before conception

Paternal drug exposure before pregnancy

Cleft palate

Nursing newborn exposed to drug X through breast milk; experienced vomiting

Drug exposure via breast milk

Vomiting neonatal

3.11     Congenital Terms

Congenital = any condition present at birth, whether genetically inherited or occurring in utero (see the MedDRA Introductory Guide).

3.11.1     Congenital conditions

Select terms from SOC Congenital, familial and genetic disorders when the reporter describes the condition as congenital or when medical judgment establishes that the condition was present at the time of birth.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Congenital heart disease

Heart disease congenital

 

Child born with heart disease

Newborn with phimosis

Phimosis

A congenital term is not available but LLT/PT Phimosis links to primary SOC Congenital, familial and genetic disorders

 

3.11.2     Acquired conditions (not present at birth)

If information is available indicating that the condition is not congenital or present at birth, i.e., it is acquired, select the non-qualified term for the condition, making sure that the non-qualified term does not link to SOC Congenital, familial and genetic disorders. If a non-qualified term is not available, select the acquired term for the condition.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Developed night blindness in middle age

Night blindness

LLT/PT Night blindness links to primary SOC Eye disorders. Do not assume the condition is congenital (LLT/PT Congenital night blindness).

Developed phimosis at age 45

Acquired phimosis

LLT/PT Phimosis should not be selected because it links to primary SOC Congenital, familial and genetic disorders

34 year old patient diagnosed with an oesophageal web

Acquired oesophageal web

A non-qualified term Oesophageal web is not available. It cannot be assumed that the condition was present at birth so it is appropriate to select the acquired term.

 

3.11.3     Conditions not specified as either congenital or acquired

If a condition is reported without any information describing it as congenital or acquired, select the non-qualified term for the condition. For conditions or diseases existing in both congenital and acquired forms, the following convention is applied in MedDRA: the more common form of the condition/disease is represented at the PT level without adding a qualifier of either congenital or acquired .

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Pyloric stenosis

Pyloric stenosis

Pyloric stenosis is more commonly congenital than acquired; LLT/PT Pyloric stenosis links to primary SOC Congenital, familial and genetic disorders

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is more commonly acquired than congenital; LLT/PT Hypothyroidism links to primary SOC Endocrine disorders

3.12     Neoplasms

Due to the large number of neoplasm types, specific guidance cannot be provided for all situations. The MedDRA Introductory Guide describes the use and placement of neoplasm terms and related terms in MedDRA.

Keep in mind the following points:

Neoplasms Terms in MedDRA

Cancer and carcinoma are synonyms (see online MedDRA Concept Descriptions which can be accessed via the Web-Based Browser and MedDRA Desktop Browser)

Tumo(u)r terms refer to neoplasia

Lump and mass terms are not neoplasia

 

If the type of neoplasia is not clear, seek clarification from the reporter. Consult medical experts when selecting terms for difficult or unusual neoplasms.

3.12.1     Do not infer malignancy

Select a malignancy term only if malignancy is stated by the reporter. Reports of tumo(u)r events should not be assigned a cancer , carcinoma or another malignant term unless it is clear that malignancy is present.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Tumour growing on skin

Skin tumour

Cancer growing on tongue

Malignant tongue cancer

3.13     Medical and Surgical Procedures

Terms in SOC Surgical and medical procedures are generally not appropriate for ARs/AEs. Terms in this SOC are not multiaxial. Be aware of the impact of these terms on data retrieval, analysis, and reporting.

Keep in mind the following points:

3.13.1     Only the procedure is reported

If only a procedure is reported, select a term for the procedure.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Patient had transfusion of platelets

Platelet transfusion

Patient had tonsillectomy in childhood

Tonsillectomy

3.13.2     Procedure and diagnosis are reported

If a procedure is reported with a diagnosis, the preferred option is to select terms for both the procedure and diagnosis. Alternatively, select a term only for the diagnosis.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Preferred Option

Comment

Liver transplantation due to liver injury

Liver transplantation

 

Liver injury

Selecting term for the procedure may indicate severity of the condition

Liver injury

 

 

3.14     Investigations

SOC Investigations includes test names with qualifiers (e.g., increased, decreased, abnormal, normal) and without qualifiers. Corresponding medical conditions (such as hyper- and hypo- terms) are in other disorder SOCs (e.g., SOC Metabolism and nutrition disorders).

SOC Investigations is not multiaxial; always consider the terms in this SOC for data retrieval.

3.14.1     Results of investigations as ARs/AEs

Keep in mind the following points when selecting terms for results of investigations:

  Selecting terms for a medical condition vs. an investigation result

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Hypoglycaemia

Hypoglycaemia

LLT Hypoglycaemia links to SOC Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Decreased glucose

Glucose decreased

LLT Glucose decreased links to SOC Investigations

 

  Unambiguous investigation result

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Glucose 40 mg/dL

Glucose low

Glucose is clearly below the reference range

 

  Ambiguous investigation result

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

His glucose was 40

Glucose abnormal

In this example, no units have been reported. Select LLT Glucose abnormal if clarification cannot be obtained

3.14.2     Investigation results consistent with diagnosis

When investigation results are reported with a diagnosis, select only a term for the diagnosis if investigation results are consistent with the diagnosis.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Elevated potassium, K 7.0 mmol/L, and hyperkalaemia

Hyperkalaemia

It is not necessary to select LLT Potassium increased

3.14.3     Investigation results not consistent with diagnosis

When investigation results are reported with a diagnosis, select a term for the diagnosis and also select terms for any investigation results that are not consistent with the diagnosis.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Alopecia, rash, and elevated potassium 7.0 mmol/L

Alopecia

Rash

Potassium increased

Elevated potassium is not consistent with the diagnoses of alopecia and rash. Terms for all concepts should be selected.

3.14.4     Grouped investigation result terms

Select a term for each investigation result as reported; do not lump together separate investigation results under an inclusive term unless reported as such.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Abnormalities of liver function tests

Abnormal liver function tests

 

Increased alkaline phosphatase, increased SGPT, increased SGOT and elevated LDH

Alkaline phosphatase increased

SGPT increased

SGOT increased

LDH increased

Select four individual terms for the investigation results. A single term such as LLT Liver function tests abnormal should not be selected

3.14.5     Investigation terms without qualifiers

Terms in SOC Investigations without qualifiers are intended to be used to record test names when entering diagnostic test data in the ICH E2B electronic transmission standard.

Example

Information/Reported (Verbatim)

LLT Selected for Test Name

Comment

Cardiac output measured

Cardiac output

 

Haemoglobin 7.5 g/dL

Haemoglobin

LLT Haemoglobin decreased should not be selected as it is both a test name and a result*

* MedDRA is used only for test names, not test results, in the E2B data elements for Results of Tests and Procedures

 

Test name terms without qualifiers are not intended for use in other data fields capturing information such as ARs/AEs and medical history. The use of the Unqualified Test Name Term List is optional and may be used to identify the inappropriate selection of these terms in data fields other than the test name data element. It is available for download from the MedDRA and JMO websites.

3.15     Medication Errors, Accidental Exposures and Occupational Exposures

3.15.1     Medication errors

For the purposes of term selection and analysis of MedDRA-coded data, medication errors are defined as any unintentional and preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient or consumer.

The online Concept Descriptions contain descriptions of the interpretation and use of certain medication error terms (e.g., Dispensing error ).

For further information, please refer to Section 3 of the MedDRA Points to Consider Companion Document which contains detailed examples, guidance, and Questions and Answers on medication errors (see Appendix, Section 4.2 Links and References).

Reports of medication errors may or may not include information about clinical consequences.

3.15.1.1   Medication errors reported with clinical consequences

If a medication error is reported with clinical consequences, select terms for both the medication error and the clinical consequences.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Patient was administered wrong drug and experienced hypotension

Wrong drug administered

Hypotension

 

Because of similar sounding drug names, the wrong drug was dispensed; as a result, the patient took the wrong drug and experienced a rash

Wrong drug dispensed

Wrong drug administered

Drug name sound-alike

Rash

The originating error (Wrong drug dispensed) and reported additional or consequent errors and contributing factors (Drug name sound-alike) stated in the report should all be coded, while not subtracting or inferring information

Insulin preparation was given using the wrong syringe resulting in the administration of an overdose. The patient developed hypoglycaemia.

Drug administered in wrong device

Accidental overdose

Hypoglycaemia

If an overdose is reported in the context of a medication error, the more specific term LLT Accidental overdose can be selected (see also Section 3.18)

3.15.1.2   Medication errors and potential medication errors reported without clinical consequences

Medication errors without clinical consequences are not ARs/AEs. However, it is important to record the occurrence or potential occurrence of a medication error. Select a term that is closest to the description of medication error reported.

Intercepted medication error: For the purposes of term selection and analysis of MedDRA-coded data, an intercepted medication error refers to the situation where a medication error has occurred, but is prevented from reaching the patient or consumer. The intercepted error term should reflect the stage at which the error occurred, rather than the stage at which it was intercepted.

If a medication error report specifically states that there were no clinical consequences, the preferred option is to select only a term for the medication error. Alternatively, a term for the medication error and the additional LLT No adverse effect can be selected (see Section 3.21).

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Preferred Option

Intramuscular formulation medication was given intravenously instead of intramuscularly but the patient did not experience any adverse effects.

Intramuscular formulation administered by other route

Intramuscular formulation administered by other route

No adverse effect

 

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Pharmacist notices that the names of two drugs look similar and is concerned that this may result in someone getting a wrong drug

Drug name look-alike

Potential for medication error, wrong drug

This example is a potential medication error. LLT Drug name look-alike is a contributing factor, and LLT Potential for medication error, wrong drug indicates that there is a potential medication error including the error type.

The physician prescribed the wrong dose of the drug; the error was identified at the time of dispensing

Intercepted drug prescribing error

Drug dose prescribing error

The intercepted error terms reflect the stage at which the error occurred, which is not necessarily the stage at which it was intercepted.

Capture the type of error that was intercepted and contributing factors when reported.

The pharmacist dispensed the wrong drug because of a similar label design but the patient realised the error and did not take the drug

Intercepted drug dispensing error

Drug label look-alike

Wrong drug dispensed

Patient forgot to take his scheduled dose of drug X

Forgot to take product

LLT Forgot to take product (PT Product dose omission in error) is an example of an unintentional dose omission/missed dose. See the Points to Consider Companion Document for additional examples of the various scenarios of dose omissions.

Patient's scheduled dose of drug X was not administered because he was undergoing surgery that day

Intentional dose omission

This is an example of an intentional dose omission/missed dose. It is not a medication error.

Due to Drug X shortage, patient was unable to take her medication for a week

Drug shortage

Temporary interruption of therapy

This event is neither intentional nor a medication error. Use LLT Temporary interruption of therapy (PT Therapy interrupted, HLT Therapeutic procedures NEC) and capture the specific external factor which caused the interruption of therapy.

3.15.1.3   Medication monitoring errors

For the purposes of term selection and analysis of MedDRA-coded data, a medication monitoring error is an error that occurs in the process of monitoring the effect of the medication through clinical assessment and/or laboratory data.

It can also refer to monitoring errors in following instructions or information pertinent to the safe use of the medication, such as the specific scenario regarding the term LLT Documented hypersensitivity to administered drug in the example below.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Patient with sulfa allergy documented in patient s medical file is administered a sulfonamide-based drug and experienced wheezing

Documented hypersensitivity to administered drug

Wheezing

This medication error refers to the situation when a patient is administered a drug that is documented in the patient's medical file to cause a hypersensitivity reaction in the patient.

 

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

The patient's liver enzymes were measured every six months instead of the recommended monthly schedule

Drug monitoring procedure incorrectly performed

The monthly monitoring schedule is in the label for this drug. This is an example of incorrect monitoring of laboratory tests recommended in the use of a drug.

Patient taking lithium-based drug did not have his lithium levels measured

Therapeutic drug monitoring analysis not performed

This is an example of not monitoring the therapeutic drug level to ensure that it is within the therapeutic range as recommended in the label for this drug.

 

There are specific medication error situations when the product is prescribed, dispensed, or co-administered with specific drugs, with specific foods, or to patients with specific disease states, or genetic variants, and the product label describes known noxious effects of these interactions. Select a medication error term for the type of interaction, such as those listed below.

If the report indicates that this is intentional misuse or intentional off label use, select the appropriate terms representing the intentional nature of the event. If the report does not provide information about whether the event was accidental or intentional, select an appropriate interaction issue term, e.g., LLT Labelled drug-drug interaction issue.

Medication Error Terms Labelled Interactions

Labelled drug-drug interaction medication error

Labelled drug-food interaction medication error

Labelled drug-disease interaction medication error

Labelled drug-genetic interaction medication error

 

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Patient became pregnant whilst taking an antifungal drug and an oral contraceptive. She was unaware of the interaction warning in the label.

Labelled drug-drug interaction medication error

Pregnancy on oral contraceptive

Product is labelled for this drug-drug interaction (see also Section 3.20)

Patient drank grapefruit juice by mistake whilst taking a calcium channel blocker.

Labelled drug-food interaction medication error

Product is labelled for this drug-food interaction with grapefruit juice

Patient with renal failure is accidentally prescribed a drug that is contraindicated in renal failure

Labelled drug-disease interaction medication error

Contraindicated drug prescribed

Product is labelled for this drug-disease interaction. LLT Contraindicated drug prescribed provides additional information about the nature of the labelled interaction medication error and the stage at which the error occurred.

Patient was inadvertently given a drug that is contraindicated in patients who are cytochrome P450 2D6 poor metabolisers

Labelled drug-genetic interaction medication error

Contraindicated drug administered

CYP2D6 poor metaboliser status

Product is labelled for this drug-genetic variant interaction

3.15.1.4   Do not infer a medication error

Do not infer that a medication error has occurred unless specific information is provided. This includes inferring that extra dosing, overdose, or underdose has occurred (see Section 3.18).

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Patient took only half of the minimum recommended dose in the label

Underdose

Based on this report, it is not known whether the underdose is intentional or accidental. If information is available, select the more specific LLT Accidental underdose or LLT Intentional underdose as appropriate.

3.15.2     Accidental exposures and occupational exposures

3.15.2.1   Accidental exposures

The principles for Section 3.15.1 (Medication errors) also apply to accidental exposures.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Child accidentally took grandmother's pills and experienced projectile vomiting

Accidental drug intake by child

Vomiting projectile

 

Father applying topical steroid to his arms accidentally exposed his child to the drug by carrying her

Accidental exposure to product by child

Exposure via skin contact

The exposure to term captures the agent of exposure, i.e., a product, and the exposure via term captures the route/vehicle of exposure, i.e., skin contact

3.15.2.2   Occupational exposures

For the purposes of term selection and analysis of MedDRA-coded data, occupational exposure encompasses the chronic exposure to an agent (including therapeutic products) during the normal course of one's occupation, and could include additional scenarios in specific regulatory regions. For example, occupational exposure may additionally relate to a more acute, accidental form of exposure that occurs in the context of one's occupation. In these regions, occupational exposure for healthcare workers could be of particular interest.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Physical therapist developed a photosensitivity rash on hands after exposure to an NSAID-containing pain relief cream that she applied to a patient

Occupational exposure via skin contact with product

Photosensitive rash

 

Pathologist chronically exposed to formaldehyde developed nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Occupational exposure to toxic agent

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Exposure to formaldehyde is a known risk factor for this type of malignancy

Nurse splashed injectable drug in her own eye resulting in excessive tearing

Accidental contact of product with eye

Excess tears

An alternative term e.g., LLT Occupational exposure to product via eye could be selected to replace LLT Accidental contact of product with eye, if applicable to regional requirements where acute exposures are considered to be occupational exposures

3.16     Misuse, Abuse and Addiction

The concepts of misuse, abuse and addiction are closely related and can pose challenges for term selection since the terms may overlap to some extent; the specific circumstances of each case/reported event may help in consideration for term selection of these concepts. Medical judgment and regional regulatory considerations need to be applied.

It may also be useful to consider these concepts as shown in the table below:

Concept

Intentional?

By Whom?

Therapeutic Use?

Additional Sections in this Document

Misuse

Yes

Patient/consumer

Yes*

3.16.1

Abuse

Yes

Patient/consumer

No

3.16.2

Addiction

Yes

Patient/consumer

No

3.16.3

The concepts Medication error and Off label use are placed here for comparison reasons:

Medication error

No

Patient/consumer or healthcare professional

Yes

3.15

Off label use

Yes

Healthcare professional

Yes

3.27

* Definitions of misuse may not always include the concept of therapeutic use; misuse may be similar to the concept of abuse in some regions.

Select the most specific term available and always check the MedDRA hierarchy above the selected term to be sure it is appropriate for the reported information. In some cases, it may be appropriate to select more than one MedDRA LLT to represent the reported information.

3.16.1     Misuse

For the purposes of term selection and analysis of MedDRA-coded data, misuse is the intentional use for a therapeutic purpose by a patient or consumer of a product over-the-counter or prescription other than as prescribed or not in accordance with the authorised product information.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Patient deliberately took the medication twice daily instead of once daily

Intentional misuse in dosing frequency

3.16.2     Abuse

For the purposes of term selection and analysis of MedDRA-coded data, abuse is the intentional, non-therapeutic use by a patient or consumer of a product over-the counter or prescription for a perceived reward or desired non-therapeutic effect including, but not limited to, getting high (euphoria). Abuse may occur with a single use, sporadic use or persistent use of the product.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Athlete used anabolic steroid preparation to enhance performance

Steroid abuse

 

Patient occasionally uses opioid product to get high

Opioid abuse, episodic use

 

Patient deliberately ingested the topical medication for its psychoactive effect

Drug abuse

Intentional use by incorrect route

LLT Intentional use by incorrect route (PT Intentional product use issue) provides additional information about the nature of the drug abuse

See Section 3.24.1 and 3.24.2 for additional references to abuse terms in MedDRA.

3.16.3     Addiction

For the purposes of term selection and analysis of MedDRA-coded data, addiction is an overwhelming desire by a patient or consumer to take a drug for non-therapeutic purposes together with inability to control or stop its use despite harmful consequences. Addiction can occur because drug induces physical dependence and consequently a withdrawal syndrome, but this is not an essential feature; and addiction can occur because of a desire to experience the drug's psychological, behavioural or physical effects.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Patient became dependent on crack cocaine

Dependence on cocaine

Patient became addicted to a deliberately ingested topical medication for its psychoactive effect

Drug addiction

Intentional use by incorrect route


See Section 3.24.1 for additional references to addict/addiction terms in MedDRA.

3.16.4     Drug diversion

For the purposes of term selection and analysis of MedDRA-coded data, drug diversion means that a drug is diverted from legal and medically necessary uses toward illegal uses.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Pharmacist stole medications from the pharmacy and sold them to others for recreational use

Drug diversion

The patient sold his controlled drug prescription to another person

Drug diversion

3.17     Transmission of Infectious Agent via Product

If a report of transmission of an infectious agent via a product is received, select a term for the transmission. If the infection is identified, select a second term for the specific infection; if appropriate, a product quality issue term can also be selected (see Section 3.28).

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Patient received a nasal spray product and later developed a severe acute nasal infection with Burkholderia cepacia. Cultures of unopened containers of the nasal spray grew B. cepacia

Transmission of an infectious agent via product

Product contamination bacterial

Burkholderia cepacia infection

Acute rhinitis

Patient received a blood transfusion and developed Hepatitis C

Transfusion-transmitted infectious disease

Hepatitis C


Medical judgment should be used if the reporter does not explicitly state transmission of an infectious agent via a product but this could be implied by other data within the report. In this instance, select LLT Suspected transmission of an infectious agent via product.

3.18     Overdose, Toxicity and Poisoning

Accidental overdose terms are grouped under HLT Product administration errors and issues; other overdose terms are grouped under HLT Overdoses NEC. Toxicity and poisoning terms are grouped under HLT Poisoning and toxicity.

For the purposes of term selection and analysis of MedDRA-coded data, overdose is more than the maximum recommended dose (in quantity and/or concentration), i.e., an excessive dose (see online Concept Descriptions.)

If overdose, poisoning or toxicity is explicitly reported, select the appropriate term.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Patient took an overdose

Overdose

Based on this report, it is not known whether the overdose is intentional or accidental. If information is available, select the more specific LLT Accidental overdose or LLT Intentional overdose as appropriate.

A child was accidentally poisoned when she ingested a chemical cleaning product

Accidental poisoning

Chemical poisoning

 

Patient deliberately took an overdose of analgesic pills to treat his worsening arthritis

Intentional overdose

LLT Arthritis aggravated can be selected as the indication for treatment

The dose taken was above the recommended maximum dose in the label

Overdose

Based on this report, it is not known whether the overdose is intentional or accidental. If information is available, select the more specific LLT Accidental overdose or LLT Intentional overdose as appropriate.

3.18.1     Overdose reported with clinical consequences

Select terms for overdose and for clinical consequences reported in association with an overdose.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Stomach upset from study drug overdose

Overdose

Stomach upset

3.18.2     Overdose reported without clinical consequences

If an overdose report specifically states that there were no clinical consequences, the preferred option is to select only a term for the overdose. Alternatively, a term for the overdose and the additional LLT No adverse effect can be selected (see Section 3.21).

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Preferred Option

Patient received an overdose of medicine without any adverse consequences

Overdose

Overdose

No adverse effect

 

3.19     Device-related Terms

3.19.1     Device-related event reported with clinical consequences

If available, select a term that reflects both the device-related event and the clinical consequence, if so reported.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Patient with a vascular implant developed an infection of the implant

Vascular implant infection

Patient noted the prosthesis caused pain

Medical device pain

 

If there is no single MedDRA term reflecting the device-related event and the clinical consequence, select separate terms for both.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Ventricular tachycardia due to malfunction of device

Device malfunction

Ventricular tachycardia

Partial denture fractured leading to tooth pain

Dental prosthesis breakage

Tooth pain

3.19.2     Device-related event reported without clinical consequences

If a device-related event is reported in the absence of clinical consequences, select the appropriate term.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Medical device breakage

Device breakage

My patch is leaking on my arm

Leaking patch

3.20     Drug Interactions

This term includes reactions between drugs and other drugs, food, devices and alcohol. In this document, drug includes biologic products.

Labelled drug interactions may be medication errors (see Section 3.15.1.3).

3.20.1     Reporter specifically states an interaction

Select an interaction term and additional term(s) for any reported medical event.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Torsade de pointes with suspected

drug interaction

Drug interaction

Torsade de pointes

Patient drank cranberry juice which interacted with anticoagulant drug causing an INR increase

Food interaction

INR increased

3.20.2     Reporter does not specifically state an interaction

Two products may be used together, but if the reporter does not specifically state that an interaction has occurred, select terms only for the medical events reported.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Patient was started on an anti-seizure medication and a heart medication and developed syncope

Syncope

Patient was already on an anti-seizure medication and was started on a heart medication, and anti-seizure medication levels increased

Anticonvulsant drug level increased

3.21     No Adverse Effect and Normal Terms

3.21.1     No adverse effect

LLT No adverse effect can be used when absence of an AR/AE is specifically reported, despite exposure to a product (see Sections 3.15.1.2 and 3.18.2).

Some organisations may want to record LLT No adverse effect for administrative purposes (e.g., pregnancy registries, overdose and medication error reports).

3.21.2     Use of normal terms

Terms for normal states and outcomes can be used as needed.

Examples of Terms for Normal States and Outcomes

Sinus rhythm

Normal baby

Normal electrocardiogram

3.22     Unexpected Therapeutic Effect

Some organisations may want to record reports of a beneficial effect of a product apart from the reason it had been given. (Such effects are not usually considered ARs/AEs).

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

A bald patient was pleased that he grew hair while using an antihypertensive product

Unexpected beneficial therapeutic response

Hair growth increased

3.23     Modification of Effect

It is important to record modification of effect (e.g., increased, prolonged) although it is not always an AR/AE.

3.23.1     Lack of effect

The preferred option is to select only the lack of effect term even if consequences are also reported. However, terms may also be selected for events associated with the lack of effect.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Preferred Option

Patient took drug for a headache, and her headache didn't go away

Drug ineffective

Drug ineffective

Headache

 

Antibiotic didn't work

Lack of drug effect

 

Patient took drug for thrombosis prophylaxis but she developed a deep vein thrombosis in her left leg

Drug ineffective

Drug ineffective

Deep vein thrombosis leg

 

3.23.2     Do not infer lack of effect

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

AIDS patient taking anti-HIV drug died

Death

Do not assume lack of effect in this instance. Select only a term for death (see Section 3.2).

3.23.3     Increased, decreased and prolonged effect

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Patient had increased effect from drug A

Increased drug effect

Patient had decreased effect from drug A

Drug effect decreased

Patient had prolonged effect from drug A

Drug effect prolonged

3.24     Social Circumstances

3.24.1     Use of terms in this SOC

Terms in SOC Social circumstances represent social factors and may be suitable to record social and medical history data. Such terms are not generally suitable for recording ARs/AEs; however, in certain instances, terms in SOC Social circumstances are the only available terms for recording ARs/AEs or may add valuable clinical information.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Patient's ability to drive was impaired

Impaired driving ability

 

Terms in SOC Social circumstances are not multiaxial and, unlike terms in other disorder SOCs in MedDRA (e.g., SOC Gastrointestinal disorders), they generally refer to a person, not to a medical condition.

Be aware of the impact that terms in SOC Social circumstances may have on data retrieval, analysis and reporting as illustrated in the table below:

Term in SOC Social circumstances ( person )

Similar term in Disorder SOC ( condition )

Alcoholic

Alcoholism

Drug abuser

Drug abuse

Drug addict

Drug addiction

Glue sniffer

Glue sniffing

Smoker

Nicotine dependence

 

Note that abuse terms not associated with drugs/substances are in this SOC, regardless of whether they refer to the person or to the condition, as illustrated in the table below:

LLT

PT

Child abuse

Child abuse

Child abuser

Elder abuse

Elder abuse

Elder abuser

(See Section 3.24.2 concerning illegal/criminal acts.)

3.24.2     Illegal acts of crime or abuse

Terms for illegal acts of crime and abuse (excluding those related to drug/substance abuse) are in SOC Social circumstances, such as LLT Physical assault.

LLTs representing the perpetrator are linked to PTs describing the unlawful act committed. PTs representing the victim of unlawful acts generally begin with Victim of .

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Patient's history indicates that patient is a known sexual offender

Sexual offender

Perpetrator; LLT Sexual offender links to PT Sexual abuse in SOC Social circumstances

Patient was a childhood sexual assault victim

Childhood sexual assault victim

Victim; LLT Childhood sexual assault victim links to PT Victim of sexual abuse in SOC Social circumstances

3.25     Medical and Social History

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

History of gastrointestinal bleed and hysterectomy

Gastrointestinal bleed

Hysterectomy

Patient is a cigarette smoker with coronary artery disease

Cigarette smoker

Coronary artery disease

3.26     Indication for Product Use

Indications can be reported as medical conditions, prophylaxis of conditions, replacement therapies, procedures (such as anaesthesia induction) and verbatim terms such as anti-hypertension . Terms from almost any MedDRA SOC including SOC Investigations may be selected to record indications.

Regulatory authorities may have specific requirements for certain aspects of term selection for indications (e.g., for indications within regulated product information). Please refer to the regulatory authority's specific guidance for such issues.

3.26.1     Medical conditions

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Hypertension

Hypertension

Anti-hypertensive

Chemotherapy for breast cancer

Breast cancer

I took it for my cold symptoms

Cold symptoms

 

If the only information reported is the type of therapy, select the most specific term.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Patient received chemotherapy

Chemotherapy

Patient received antibiotics

Antibiotic therapy

 

It may not be clear if the reported indication is a medical condition or a desired outcome of therapy. The term selected in either case may be the same.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Weight loss

Weight loss

Unclear if the purpose is to induce weight loss or to treat an underweight patient

Immunosuppression

Immunosuppression

Unclear if the purpose is to induce or to treat immunosuppression

3.26.2     Complex indications

Term selection for some indications (e.g., in regulated product information) may be complex and require selection of more than one LLT to represent the information completely, depending on the circumstances.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Treatment of aggression in autism

Aggression

The products do not treat the underlying autism, thalassaemia, or myocardial infarction, but they do address the associated signs/symptoms (aggression, chronic iron overload, atherothrombosis). It may be necessary to select LLT Autism, LLT Thalassaemia major, or LLT Myocardial infarction based on regional regulatory requirements.

Treatment of chronic iron overload in thalassaemia major

Chronic iron overload

Prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients with myocardial infarction

Atherothrombosis prophylaxis

3.26.3     Indications with genetic markers or abnormalities

For indications that describe a genetic marker or abnormality associated with a medical condition, select a combination term that represents both concepts, if available. See also examples in Section 3.5 Combination Terms.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Non small cell lung cancer with K‑ras mutation

Non-small cell lung cancer

K-ras gene mutation

3.26.4     Prevention and prophylaxis

When an indication for prevention or prophylaxis is reported, select the specific MedDRA term, if it exists (Note: the words prevention and prophylaxis are synonymous in the context of MedDRA).

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Prophylaxis of arrhythmia

Arrhythmia prophylaxis

Prevention of migraine

Migraine prophylaxis

 

If there is no MedDRA term containing prevention or prophylaxis , choose one of the following options. The preferred option is to select a general prevention/ prophylaxis term and a term for the condition. Alternatively, select a term for the condition alone or a prevention/prophylaxis term alone.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Preferred Option

Comment

Prevention of hepatotoxicity

Prevention

Hepatotoxicity

Represents both the prevention/prophylaxis concept and the condition

Hepatotoxicity

 

Represents the condition

Prevention

 

Represents the prevention/prophylaxis concept

3.26.5     Procedures and diagnostic tests as indications

Select the appropriate term if the product is indicated for performing a procedure or a diagnostic test.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Induction of anaesthesia

Induction of anaesthesia

Contrast agent for angiogram

Angiogram

Contrast agent for coronary angiogram

Coronary angiogram

3.26.6     Supplementation and replacement therapies

Terms for supplemental and replacement therapies are in SOC Surgical and medical procedures (see Section 3.13). If the product indication is for supplementation or replacement therapy, select the closest term.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Testosterone replacement therapy

Androgen replacement therapy

Prenatal vitamin

Vitamin supplementation

3.26.7     Indication not reported

If clarification cannot be obtained, select LLT Drug use for unknown indication.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Aspirin was taken for an unknown indication

Drug use for unknown indication

3.27     Off Label Use

For the purposes of term selection and analysis of MedDRA-coded data, the concept of off label use relates to situations where a healthcare professional intentionally prescribes, dispenses, or recommends a product for a medical purpose not in accordance with the authorised product information (Consider also the table in Section 3.16). Off-label use terms should only be selected when off label use is specifically mentioned in the reported verbatim information. For information that is suggestive of off-label use but not reported, attempt to obtain clarification. If clarification cannot be obtained, do not infer that off-label use occurred. When recording off label use, consider that product information and/or regulations/requirements may differ between regulatory regions.

3.27.1     Off label use when reported as an indication

If a medical condition/indication is reported along with off label use , the preferred option is to select terms for the medical condition/indication and off label use. Alternatively, select a term for the medical condition/indication alone. Select LLT Off label use alone only if it is the only information available.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Preferred Option

Hypertension; this is off label use

Off label use in unapproved indication

Hypertension

Hypertension

 

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Used off label

Off label use

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Drug approved for use in combination with drug A was used off label in combination with drug B

Off label use

Drug use for unapproved combination

LLT Drug use for unapproved combination provides additional information about the specific type of off label use. The term is not an off label use term or a medication error term; it is a general term that can be used in combination with other terms to capture detail about off label use, misuse, medication errors, etc.

3.27.2     Off label use when reported with an AR/AE

If an AR/AE occurs in the setting of off label use for a medical condition/indication, the preferred option is to select a term for off label use, and a term for the medical condition/indication in addition to a term for the AR/AE. Alternatively, select a term for the medical condition/indication and a term for the AR/AE.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Preferred Option

Patient was administered a drug off label for pulmonary hypertension and suffered a stroke

Off label use in unapproved indication

Pulmonary hypertension

Stroke

Pulmonary hypertension

Stroke

 

3.28     Product Quality Issues

It is important to recognise product quality issues as they may have implications for patient safety. They may be reported in the context of adverse events or as part of a product quality monitoring system.

Product quality issues are defined as abnormalities that may be introduced during the manufacturing/labelling, packaging, shipping, handling or storage of the products. They may occur with or without clinical consequences. Such concepts may pose a challenge for term selection.

Familiarity with HLGT Product quality, supply, distribution, manufacturing and quality system issues (in SOC Product issues) is essential for term selection. Under this HLGT are categories of specific product quality issues such as HLT Product packaging issues, HLT Product physical issues, HLT Manufacturing facilities and equipment issues, HLT Counterfeit, falsified and substandard products, etc. Navigating down to the appropriate LLTs from the MedDRA hierarchy is the optimal approach for term selection.

Explanations of the interpretations and uses of certain product quality issue terms (e.g., Product coating incomplete ) are found in the online MedDRA Concept Descriptions.

3.28.1     Product quality issue reported with clinical consequences

If a product quality issue results in clinical consequences, term(s) for the product quality issue and the clinical consequences should be selected.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

New bottle of drug tablets have unusual chemical smell that made me nauseous

Product smell abnormal

Nauseous

 

I switched from one brand to another of my blood pressure medication, and I developed smelly breath

Product substitution issue brand to brand

Smelly breath

 

Consumer noted that the toothpaste they had purchased caused a stinging sensation in the mouth. Subsequent investigation of the product lot number revealed that the toothpaste was a counterfeit product.

Product counterfeit

Stinging mouth

 

Patient reported severe burning in his nose after using nasal drops that had a cloudy appearance. An investigation by the manufacturer revealed that impurities were found in the batch of nasal drops and that these had been introduced by a faulty piece of equipment.

Nasal burning

Product appearance cloudy

Product impurities found

Manufacturing equipment issue

Specific product defects and issues with manufacturing systems may be reported subsequently as part of a root cause analysis

3.28.2     Product quality issue reported without clinical consequences

It is important to capture the occurrence of product quality issues even in the absence of clinical consequences.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Sterile lumbar puncture kit received in broken packaging (sterility compromised)

Product sterile packaging disrupted

3.28.3     Product quality issue vs. medication error

It is important to distinguish between a product quality issue and a medication error.

Product quality issues are defined as abnormalities that may be introduced during the manufacturing/labelling, packaging, shipping, handling or storage of the products. They may occur with or without clinical consequences.

Medication errors are defined as any unintentional and preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient or consumer.

Explanations of the interpretations of product quality issue terms are found in the online Concept Descriptions.

Example

Reported

LLT Selected

Comment

Pharmacist dispensing Drug A inadvertently attached a product label for Drug B

Wrong label placed on medication during dispensing

Medication error

The drug store clerk noted that the wrong product label was attached to some bottles in a shipment of mouthwash

Product label on wrong product

Product quality issue

The mother administered an underdose of antibiotic because the lines on the dropper were illegible

Product dropper calibration unreadable

Accidental underdose

Product quality issue and medication error. If underdose is reported in the context of a medication error, the more specific LLT Accidental underdose can be selected.


 

SECTION 4         APPENDIX

4.1        Versioning

Please refer to the most recent version of the MedDRA Best Practices document for information on versioning.

4.2        Links and References

The following documents and tools can be found on the MedDRA website: (www.meddra.org):

        MedDRA Term Selection: Points to Consider Condensed Version

        MedDRA Data Retrieval and Presentation: Points to Consider document (also available on the JMO website: www.pmrj.jp/jmo/)

        MedDRA Data Retrieval and Presentation: Points to Consider Condensed Version

        MedDRA Points to Consider Companion Document (also available on the JMO website: www.pmrj.jp/jmo/)

        MedDRA Introductory Guide

        MedDRA Change Request Information document

        MedDRA Web-Based Browser *

        MedDRA Mobile Browser*

        MedDRA Desktop Browser

        MedDRA Version Report (lists all changes in new version) *

        MedDRA Version Analysis Tool (compares any two versions) *

        Unqualified Test Name Term List

        MedDRA Best Practices

        Transition Date for the Next MedDRA Version

* Requires user ID and password to access