Abstract

PHARMACOVIGILANCE AND TECHNIQUES: FOCUS 2020

*Gohil Kashmira J.

ABSTRACT

The field of pharmacovigilance (PV) has made an immense growth in recent decade since its inception. In the past few years there have been major efforts in trying to revolutionize the existing pharmacovigilance systems in order to meet the demands of the future. As the newer drug treatments are becoming available in market at a faster rate due to improved rules and regulations, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are also becoming more common, severe and complex. What we need is a robust and standardized system of pharmacovigilance in the country to tackle the problem at hand. PV systems need to be capable to detect new ADRs and taking regulatory actions to protect public health. Pharmacovigilance methods such as Spontaneous ADR reporting, Prescription event monitoring, case-control study, cohort studies, and numerous other methods have been used to improve and simplify the reporting by health professionals. The major focus in future 2020 is placed on developing new technologies in Pharmacovigilance including AI, Machine Learning and IoT, improving Documentation practice and outsourcing in Pharmacovigilance to keep up with future Challenges. Though, reporting of individual case safety reports related to ADR have increased in the recent years compared to past, the task still remains very challenging for India. If reporting of ADR is increased with lot more awareness among public with newer approaches to modify existing methods along with greater consideration of the patient centric approach, innovative strategies and good networking opportunities it will optimize the safety of medicines including herbal counterparts in the country.

Keywords: ADR reporting, Pharmacovigilance (PV) methods, Current challenges in India, future perspectives.