More than 1,900 adverse reactions to medicines were reported to the Irish Medicines Board last year by healthcare professionals, according to its annual report.
The IMB sought to recall 56 medical products for several reasons, including: packaging and labelling defects, the distribution of unlicensed products and product safety concerns.
A number of major recalls of medical devices took place, including a recall of a contact lens solution which was thought to be associated with an increased risk of a serious eye infection and the recall of three automatic external heart defibrillators, due to component problems.
The IMB says that a critical issue arose in relation to the sale of illegitimate diagnostic test kits over the Internet.
No drugs were withdrawn for safety reasons.
