Drug safety and monitoring

Drug safety and monitoring involve tracking and evaluating medicines to ensure they are safe and effective for patients. After a drug is approved and in use, healthcare providers and regulatory agencies observe for any side effects or issues that may not have been apparent during clinical trials. This ongoing process helps identify rare or long-term risks, allowing for updates to usage guidelines or, in some cases, withdrawal of a medication. The goal is to protect public health by ensuring that the benefits of a drug outweigh its risks throughout its market life.