Lääketurvatoiminnassa

Lääketurvatoiminnassa, also known as pharmacovigilance in English, refers to the scientific and all activities related to the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or any other drug-related problem. The primary goal of lääketurvatoiminnassa is to ensure the safe use of medicines. This involves collecting and analyzing information about suspected side effects reported by healthcare professionals, patients, and pharmaceutical companies.

Regulatory authorities play a crucial role in lääketurvatoiminnassa by overseeing the safety of medicines throughout their lifecycle, from development and clinical trials to post-marketing surveillance. They evaluate the collected data to identify potential risks and take necessary actions, such as updating product information, issuing warnings, or even withdrawing a medicine from the market if the risks are deemed unacceptable.

The system relies on voluntary reporting of adverse drug reactions, but also on other data sources like patient registries and scientific literature. Continuous monitoring and assessment are essential because rare or long-term side effects may only become apparent after a medicine has been widely used. Effective lääketurvatoiminnassa contributes significantly to public health by minimizing harm associated with medication use and promoting rational prescribing and dispensing practices.