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Pharmacovigilance is a crucial scientific discipline focused on detecting, assessing, understanding, and preventing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and other drug- related problems. It plays a significant role in ensuring drug safety beyond clinical trials, which have limited scope in identifying rare or long-term adverse effects. The term "Pharmacovigilance" originates from Greek and Latin roots, meaning "to keep watch over medicines." Key terminologies include absolute risk, adverse events, ADRs, and clinical trials, which are essential for evaluating drug safety. The major objectives of Pharmacovigilance include early detection of unknown adverse reactions, identification of risk factors, and improving drug regulation. Its scope extends to monitoring medication errors, counterfeit medicines, biological products, and vaccines. The discipline has evolved over the years, with its historical roots tracing back to 1848 when an adverse reaction to chloroform anesthesia was first documented. With continuous advancements, Pharmacovigilance remains vital in optimizing patient safety and promoting rational drug use.

KEYWORDS

Pharmacovigilance, Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR), Drug Safety, Clinical Trials, Risk Assessment, Medication Errors, Drug Monitoring, Therapeutic Efficacy, Pharmacology, Drug Regulation.