Pharmacovigilance

Pharmacovigilance

Pharmacovigilance, also known as drug safety, is a scientific discipline focused on the collection, detection, assessment, monitoring, and prevention of adverse effects associated with pharmaceutical products. Its primary objective is to ensure the safety of medicines and protect patients from potential harm caused by adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Key aspects of pharmacovigilance include:

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs)

Monitoring and evaluating any unwanted or harmful effects experienced by patients after taking a medication.

Data Collection

Gathering information from various sources, including patients, healthcare providers, and medical literature, to identify and analyze adverse effects.

Regulatory Reporting

Submitting adverse event data to local and international drug regulatory authorities to ensure transparency and compliance with legal requirements.

Risk Assessment

Evaluating the risks associated with pharmaceutical products to determine their safety profile.

Risk Management

Implementing strategies to minimize the risk of adverse effects, such as revising dosage recommendations, issuing warnings, or withdrawing unsafe drugs from the market.

Public Health Protection

Ensuring that the benefits of a drug outweigh its risks and communicating safety information to healthcare professionals and the public.

Pharmacovigilance is crucial for maintaining drug safety and efficacy, helping to identify potential hazards, and ensuring that patients receive safe and effective treatments. It involves a continuous process of monitoring and improving drug safety through collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities, and patients.