What, how and who of PV for Freshers

 What, how and who of PV for Freshers

There are lot of freshers who approach industry experts to find them job in PV.  While its a good idea to begin with, but turning this idea into reality takes little bit more effort. So instead of just doing the traditional route of sending CV and message on Linkedin or whatsapp, add below steps to your plan as well.

Step 1 : What is it that you are applying for? What is PV?

Yes, we all can find definition of pharmacovigilance on number of websites, youtube video and that is a great start. But dig deeper. Read, understand and digest the definition in true sense . This will allow you to stand out because instead of traditional method of blurting the textbook definition you will be able to "REPRODUCE" definition as you understand not as its written in textbook.

So what is PV? 

"Pharmacovigilance (PV) is defined as the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other drug-related problem."

1. It is collection of adverse event/side effects/ drug problems from patients, consumers and Healthcare professionals.

2. It is collection, monitoring and analysis of adverse events and their continuous monitoring to ensure the medicinal products in market are safe and effective for patients.

Step 2 How PV helps in patient safety?

The reported Adverse event data is analyzed to ensure the risks that are associated with the product/drug are manageable, treatable, reversible or preventable.

The adverse events collected are then translated into meaningful information for patients and consumers to make informed decisions regarding product safety and usage.

The information is also utilized to communicate to HCP (Doctors, Nurses etc) so they are aware of adverse events and how to  prescribe the product, educate patients on risks, prevent the risks or manage the risks. 

Step 3 Who reports the adverse events and where

1. All HCP can report adverse event (including pharmacist, nurse, lab technicians, doctors, students).
2. All patients and consumer can report too.
3. There is no legal obligation or action for reporting, neither there is any fee to be paid or earned.
4. Adverse events are reported to pharma companies toll free number, email id etc
5. Adverse events can also be reported to countries national regulatory authorities e.g. in India it is CDSCO, US it is FDA etc.
6. Reporting adverse event is free of cost, all reporting forms are available free on internet 

Step 4 Why you want to join PV?

Tricky question, try to answer it as genuine as possible but dont give too much philosophical answers as well.

1. The growth opportunities are great considering PV is mandatory through all stages of drug development to marketing.

2. The career is secure in terms of having mandatory regulations to pharma companies to have PV dept.

3. The ideology of helping patients by working and ensuring the medicinal product safety provides job satisfaction.

Thanks,

Shraddha