farmacovigilija

Farmakovigilija is the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects or any other medicine-related problem. It is a crucial component of pharmacoeconomics and patient safety, aiming to ensure that medicines are used as safely and effectively as possible. The core objective of farmakovigilija is to identify and mitigate risks associated with pharmaceutical products throughout their lifecycle, from development and clinical trials to post-marketing surveillance and withdrawal from the market.

The process involves collecting information about suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from various sources, including healthcare professionals, patients, and pharmaceutical companies. This data is then analyzed to identify potential safety signals, which are new or previously unrecognized adverse events. Regulatory authorities play a significant role in farmakovigilija by evaluating these signals and taking appropriate actions, such as updating product information, issuing safety warnings, or even withdrawing a medicine from the market if the risks outweigh the benefits.

Effective farmakovigilija systems are essential for public health. They contribute to the ongoing assessment of a medicine's benefit-risk balance, allowing for timely interventions to protect patients. It also fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare systems, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and the safer use of medicines worldwide.