Pharmacovigilance is the science of monitoring the safety of medications after they have been approved for use. Its main goal is to identify and evaluate any adverse effects or unexpected reactions that may occur when people take these drugs. By collecting and analyzing data from healthcare professionals and patients, pharmacovigilance helps ensure that medications remain safe and effective over time.
This process involves various activities, including reporting side effects, conducting studies, and updating drug information. Regulatory agencies like the FDA and EMA play a crucial role in pharmacovigilance, as they oversee the safety of medications and take necessary actions to protect public health.