ECOPHARMACOVIGILANCE (EPV)
INTRODUCTION
Ecopharmacovigilance
(EPV) is the process of monitoring and assessing the potential risks associated
with pharmaceutical products on the environment. In other words, it involves identifying,
assessing, and managing environmental risks associated with pharmaceutical production, use, and disposal. As the demand for pharmaceuticals continues to
rise, it is increasingly important to ensure that the environment is not
adversely impacted by the production, use, and disposal of these products. EPV
monitors the environmental impact of drugs, including the presence of active
ingredients and their metabolites in natural waters, sediments, and soils, as
well as their effects on aquatic life, vegetation, and other organisms.
Examples
of ecopharmacovigilance include monitoring pharmaceuticals in soil, water, and
air; analyzing the impacts of pharmaceuticals on ecosystems; and assessing the
risks of pharmaceuticals to wildlife and other organisms in the environment.
Additionally, ecopharmacovigilance is used to develop strategies for reducing pharmaceuticals'
environmental impact and inform decision-makers about the potential risks of
pharmaceuticals in the environment.
IMPACT OF PHARMACEUTICALS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Pharmaceuticals
are widely used in medical treatments and have allowed us to combat many
illnesses and maintain healthy lives. However, these drugs are also finding
their way into the environment and can cause a variety of problems.
Pharmaceuticals can be found in wastewater, surface water, sediments, and even
in drinking water. Pharmaceuticals can be released into the environment from
hospitals, water treatment plants, and even from homes.
Pharmaceuticals
can have a negative impact on the environment. When pharmaceuticals enter the
environment, they can cause a variety of ecological concerns. These include
changes in the behaviour of aquatic organisms, alterations in the genetic
expression of aquatic organisms, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant
bacteria. In addition, pharmaceuticals can impact the water quality of aquatic
ecosystems, leading to oxygen depletion and decreased biodiversity.
It is
important to reduce the number of pharmaceuticals entering the environment.
This can be achieved in several ways, such as increasing awareness about the
proper disposal of pharmaceuticals, using more efficient wastewater treatment
technologies, and using biodegradable and non-toxic alternatives to
pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, it is important to continue researching the
effects of pharmaceuticals on the environment to develop better strategies to
protect our environment.
IMPACT OF PHARMACEUTICALS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Pharmaceuticals
are widely used in medical treatments and have allowed us to combat many
illnesses and maintain healthy lives. However, these drugs are also finding
their way into the environment and can cause a variety of problems.
Pharmaceuticals can be found in wastewater, surface water, sediments, and even
in drinking water. Pharmaceuticals can be released into the environment from
hospitals, water treatment plants, and even from homes.
Pharmaceuticals
can have a negative impact on the environment. When pharmaceuticals enter the
environment, they can cause a variety of ecological concerns. These include
changes in the behaviour of aquatic organisms, alterations in the genetic
expression of aquatic organisms, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant
bacteria. In addition, pharmaceuticals can impact the water quality of aquatic
ecosystems, leading to oxygen depletion and decreased biodiversity.
It is
important to reduce the number of pharmaceuticals entering the environment.
This can be achieved in several ways, such as increasing awareness about the
proper disposal of pharmaceuticals, using more efficient wastewater treatment
technologies, and using biodegradable and non-toxic alternatives to
pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, it is important to continue researching the
effects of pharmaceuticals on the environment to develop better strategies to
protect our environment.
PROCESS OF ECOPHARMACOVIGILANCE
EPV IN
INDIA
The
global status of ecopharmacovigilance is still in its early stages. While some
countries have implemented systems to monitor the environmental impact of
pharmaceuticals, many have yet to do so. There is a need for international
collaboration and information sharing to ensure the responsible use of
medicines and to protect the environment from the potentially adverse effects
of pharmaceuticals.
The
concept of ecopharmacovigilance (EPV) was introduced in India in 2009 by the
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This is a novel concept which
integrates the principles of ecology and pharmacovigilance. The Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal agency for
implementing the EPV system in India. The EPV system in India consists of two
components, namely, the Central Pharmacovigilance Centre (CPC) and the National
Pharmacovigilance Database (NPVD). The CPC is responsible for collecting,
processing and analysing data related to the environmental effects of
pharmaceutical drugs. The NPVD is an online database which stores information
related to the environmental effects of pharmaceutical drugs. The MoEFCC also
organizes regular workshops and seminars to create awareness about the EPV
system.
CONCLUSION
Implementing
ecopharmacovigilance is essential in improving the environment's safety and
protecting ecosystems from the risks associated with pharmaceuticals.
Monitoring and assessing the potential risks can help to identify potential
problems in advance and inform decision-makers on the best ways to avert or
mitigate environmental damage. Ecopharmacovigilance is essential to the overall
effort to protect the environment and human health.
REFERENCES
1. Vidhi Gautam, YP Sahni, Sachin Kumar Jain. Ecopharmacovigilance: An environment
safety issue. The Pharma Innovation Journal 2018; 7(5): 234-239.
2. Dr Amiya, Dr Anjali. Ecopharmacolovigilance: current need and future
scope. World Wide Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development May- 2021;
7(5): 99-101.
3. Avisek Dutta1,*, Anupam Banerjee2, Sunil Chaudhry3 Ecopharmacovigilance:
Need of the hour. Indian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2022;9(2):1–4.
4. Syed Ziaur Rahman*, Rahat Ali Khan, Varun Gupta and Misbah Uddin. Pharmacoenvironmentology
– a component of pharmacovigilance. Environmental Health 24 July 2007, 6:20.
5. Ajay Gupta, S. Z. Rahman. Pharmacoenvironmentology and Environmental
Risk: Current status. Pharmcovig Drug Safety, January-March-2015, Volume: 12,
Issue :1, Page: 49-51 49.
Shraddha Khobragade
Master of Pharmacy
CSROL_INT_ONL_WKD_188/2022
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