Gyógyszerfigyelés

Gyógyszerfigyelés, also known as pharmacovigilance, is the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or any other medicine-related problem. The primary goal of pharmacovigilance is to ensure that medicines are used safely and effectively for the benefit of patients and public health. This involves monitoring the safety profile of medicines throughout their lifecycle, from development and clinical trials to post-marketing surveillance.

Key activities within pharmacovigilance include collecting and analyzing reports of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from healthcare professionals, patients, and pharmaceutical companies. These reports are crucial for identifying potential safety signals that may not have been apparent during clinical trials. Regulatory authorities use this information to assess the risks and benefits of medicines and to take appropriate regulatory actions, such as updating product information, issuing safety warnings, or even withdrawing a medicine from the market if necessary.

Pharmacovigilance also plays a role in risk management planning, which outlines strategies to minimize potential risks associated with a medicine. This can include educational programs for healthcare professionals and patients, or specific prescribing guidelines. By continuously monitoring and evaluating the safety of medicines, pharmacovigilance contributes to public health by preventing harm and promoting the optimal use of pharmaceutical products. It is a collaborative effort involving regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and patients.