Pharmacovigilance is the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other possible drug-related. It is estimated that adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are the 4th to 6th largest cause of mortality in the USA, resulting in the deaths of several thousands of patients annually, and the suffering of many more from ADRs. Some countries spend up to 15-20% of their hospital drug budget dealing with drug complications.

Therefore, the aims of pharmacovigilance are to:

• Improve patient care and safety in relation to the use of medicines and all medical and paramedical interventions;
• Improve public health and safety in relation to the use of medicines;
• Detect problems related to the use of medicines and communicate the findings in a timely manner;
• To contribute to the assessment of the risk-benefit profile of medicines, thus encouraging safer and more effective use of medicines and
• Promote understanding, education and clinical training in pharmacovigilance and its effective communication to the public.

OECS/PPS’ role as Regional Pharmacovigilance Centre

OECS/PPS will be the regional pharmacovigilance centre for the nine (9) member states and will

• Supervise national coordinators
• Provide technical, training and managerial support for all related activities.
• Receive case reports and coordinate expert safety review panel.
• Submit results and recommendations of  the expert safety review panel to the WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring (Uppsala Monitoring Centre)

Forms

• Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Form (pdf)