pharmacovigilance
The science and practice of monitoring, detecting, and preventing adverse drug reactions and medication-related safety issues.
Full Definition
Pharmacovigilance is the systematic surveillance and analysis of medication safety data to identify, assess, and prevent adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and other drug-related problems. In psychiatric practice, pharmacovigilance is particularly important given the complex nature of psychotropic medications, their potential for serious side effects, and the vulnerability of patient populations. This process involves collecting reports of adverse events, analyzing safety data from clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance, and implementing risk minimization strategies. Healthcare providers have a professional responsibility to report suspected adverse drug reactions to regulatory authorities. Effective pharmacovigilance helps ensure that the benefits of psychiatric medications continue to outweigh their risks throughout their clinical use.
Usage
Usage note: Write as one word; ensure distinction from general drug monitoring activities.
In Context
- "The psychiatrist reported the suspected tardive dyskinesia case through the hospital's pharmacovigilance system." — Adverse event reporting
- "Robust pharmacovigilance practices are essential for monitoring the safety profile of newly approved antipsychotic medications." — Clinical pharmacy review