Pharmacovigilance
What is Pharmacovigilance?
Pharmacovigilance is an essential public health activity responsible for identifying, evaluating, and preventing risks associated with the use of medicines. Its main objective is to ensure that the benefits of medicines outweigh their risks, thereby safeguarding the safety and effectiveness of treatments for patients.
Importance in the Peruvian Context
In Peru, the General Directorate of Medicines, Supplies and Drugs (DIGEMID) leads the Peruvian Pharmacovigilance and Technovigilance System. The objectives of this system include:
Contribute to patient safety through the monitoring of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and health products.
Promote the rational use of medicines by analyzing the benefit–risk balance..
Minimize risks associated with the use of medicines through the collection and evaluation of information on adverse reactions..
These efforts seek to strengthen public health and ensure safe treatments for the Peruvian population.
Why Is Reporting Crucial?
Reporting adverse events related to medicines is essential because it:
Protects other patients by identifying and preventing potentially serious side effects.
Improves the quality of medicines by enabling the detection of defective or falsified products.
Informs health authorities so they can make evidence-based decisions and update health policies.
A recent example that highlights the importance of pharmacovigilance is the case of a contaminated saline solution that caused the death of four people in Peru. This incident underscores the need for an effective monitoring system to prevent harm to public health.
Who Should Participate?
La farmacovigilancia es una responsabilidad compartida que involucra a:
Healthcare professionals: physicians, pharmacists, nurses, among others.
Healthcare institutions: hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
Patients and citizens: anyone who experiences or observes adverse effects.
The collaboration of all these stakeholders is essential for an effective pharmacovigilance system.
How to Report an Adverse Event?
If you experience or detect an adverse drug reaction (ADR), you can access our reporting form to submit the information.