A Multidisciplinary Approach in Pharmacovigilance Awareness: ISoP Egypt Chapter’s MedSafetyWeek Experience

Abstract

Pharmacovigilance (PV) is more important than ever, with worldwide clinical trials taking place and several older medicinal products being repurposed. The underreporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) resulted in an underesti- mation of their frequency and severity [1]. In light of this, the Uppsala Monitoring Center (UMC), WHO Collaborat- ing Center for International Drug Monitoring, coordinates ‘MedSafetyWeek’, an annual virtual campaign on social media for healthcare professionals (HCPs) and public alike, during which an animated series featuring humorous charac- ters whose medicinal product misuse results in long-lasting health consequences is displayed [2]. Raising the aware- ness of PV and medication safety during MedSafetyWeek is essential and will certainly help in improving the reporting rates.