Pharmacovigilance – The situation today

The purpose of pharmacovigilance is to evaluate and monitor risks related to the utilization of products for human use (products under development or already on the market), to implement measures to reduce such risks, and to promote the proper and safe use of medicines.

Clinical trails are conducted on a limited number of subjects when compared to the number of persons who will receive a medicine once it is on the market, which is why pharmacovigilance is of the utmost importance. Pharmacovigilance is in fact designed to monitor the risk of adverse effects related to the utilization of medicines and products for human use.

Sanofi-aventis works on an ongoing basis with the relevant authorities to detect, assess and prevent adverse effects associated with its products, and to improve its understanding of products and risks under conditions of actual use. These studies for the patient make it possible to improve the risk/benefit ration of a drug, opt for the best treatment for a specific patient, inform physicians about potential risks, and make the decision about whether or not to keep a product on the market.