What does pharmacovigilance involve?

Pharmacovigilance primarily involves the monitoring of adverse effects and drug-related problems following the approval of medications. This is a critical aspect of drug safety, as it enables health authorities, pharmaceutical companies, and other stakeholders to detect, assess, understand, and prevent any adverse effects or any other drug-related issues after a medication is on the market.

The process is essential to ensure that the benefits of a drug continue to outweigh its risks in the general population, thereby helping to inform clinical practices and regulatory decisions. Reporting and analyzing adverse drug reactions provides valuable data that can lead to updates in drug labeling, changes in prescribing practices, or even the withdrawal of a drug from the market if necessary.

Other answers do not align with the core focus of pharmacovigilance. For instance, summarizing drug sales data relates more to business analytics rather than safety monitoring. Clinical trials occur before drug release and primarily focus on efficacy and safety in controlled environments, rather than post-marketing surveillance. Regular maintenance and inspections of pharmacy equipment relate to operational standards and safety, not drug safety monitoring in the context of patient experiences after medication use.