Lääketurvatoimintaa

Lääketurvatoimintaa, often translated as pharmacovigilance or drug safety monitoring, refers to the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or any other drug-related problem. Its primary goal is to ensure the safe use of medicinal products once they are available on the market. This involves continuously collecting and analyzing information about suspected side effects reported by healthcare professionals, patients, and pharmaceutical companies.

The process of lääketurvatoimintaa begins with the marketing authorization of a drug. Following its approval and release, ongoing surveillance is crucial. This monitoring helps identify rare or long-term side effects that may not have been apparent during clinical trials. Regulatory authorities, such as the Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea), play a central role in overseeing these activities. They establish guidelines, collect reports, and take necessary actions to protect public health.

Reporting suspected adverse drug reactions is a vital component of lääketurvatoimintaa. Healthcare professionals are often legally obligated to report such events, and patients are encouraged to do so as well. This collective effort allows for the identification of potential safety signals, which can then be investigated further. If a significant safety issue is identified, regulatory bodies may decide to update product information, issue warnings, or in some cases, even withdraw the drug from the market. Ultimately, lääketurvatoimintaa contributes to a better understanding of a drug's risk-benefit profile throughout its lifecycle.