Pharmacoepidemiology links exposure and outcome in terms of therapeutic gain, length and quality of life or adverse events for any appropriate subgroups in any selected drug. It can be useful in providing information about the beneficial and harmful effects of any drug and thus permits a better assessment of the risk/benefit balance for the use of any particular patient. Adverse effects of drug products are more commonly observed after marketing. Therefore drug surveillance programs are important ways for drug regulatory agencies to keep their fingers on the pulse of adverse drug experiences of countries. Pharmacoepidemiologic investigations involve evaluation of adverse and beneficial drug effects, medication utilization patterns, drug effects on quality of life and economic impacts of medication use. Pharmacoepidemiology provides the best available evidence supporting or refuting a hypothesis, otherwise lacking data so that health policy can be written. Unlike the West, where drug usage is strictly prescription based, “over the counter” drugs are freely available in India. This leads to misuse and its consequences. The discipline of Pharmacoepidemiology promises to maintain a close watch over the use of drugs and their effects on people.
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