[Pharmacovigilance in pharmacy practice]

Although rigorous clinical studies are conducted on drugs before they become available to the patient, some side effects are often only detected after marketing. It is the role of pharmacovigilance to identify these effects. Notification of adverse reactions by health professionals and pharmaceutical companies contribute to a better understanding of the safety profile of a drug and thus to better care for patients. As a care provider and in the context of pharmaceutical care, the pharmacist has a responsibility and an active role in monitoring the safe use of medicines. This article deals with the organization of pharmacovigilance in Belgium and some practical aspects