Does pharmacovigilance (PV) sound dry? Not at all!
Real dramas unfold behind the scenes – and our evalii® PV Agents are the detectives who make everyday life safer with their sharp minds and a touch of humor. Here are a few of their most exciting cases that demonstrate why system-supported surveillance and a trained eye are so important.
Case 1: The “harmless” comment that was an alarm signal
One patient commented in a social media post: "The new medication is working well, but sometimes I feel like I'm dancing... a little too much."
A harmless comment? Not for our PV agents! The comment was immediately flagged, reported, and investigated further. Indeed, it turned out that the patient had cardiac arrhythmia—a rare but serious side effect in this case.
Moral of the story: Reading between the lines is a real superpower!
Case 2: The Emoji Code
An Instagram post about a drug contained the words: “Now I can finally breathe again 😓“.
A relieved emoji? Our PV agents knew better! They checked the history and discovered that the patient had recently complained of side effects such as shortness of breath. This case was a prime example of how important it is to take even the most subtle clues in patient communication seriously.
Case 3: When the past returns – Old comments, rediscovered
In July 2024, a side effect report for a medication was submitted to a social media post, reporting headaches as a side effect. The case was documented in the system, reported, and marked as "closed." But then, in November, another user reported under the old post:
"I've been taking the medication for four weeks and have the same headaches as described above. Have you had any reaction yet?"
In the past, such a comment would have easily been overlooked, as older cases are often only opened when necessary. Thanks to evalii® and the attentive agents, this case was documented and the new information was quickly forwarded to the pharmacovigilance team.
Case 4: The classic confusion trick
One user wrote in a product review: “After the second tablet, my dog got a rash.” Huh?
Our PV agents had to chuckle, but investigated anyway. It quickly became clear that the user had accidentally given his medication to his dog – instead of the intended veterinary medication. The case was documented, and a tip was forwarded to the responsible department. Conclusion: Even unusual side effects deserve attention – even in furry patients!
Why PV Agents are indispensable:
These cases demonstrate how complex and diverse the world of pharmacovigilance is. Our PV Agents combine:
- Technology: The evalii® platform detects relevant clues in real time.
- Common sense: A trained eye recognizes risks that algorithms alone cannot see.
- Linguistic sense: An empathetic grasp of linguistic subtleties
Whether it's subtle hints, emojis, or slurred comments, the PV Agents ensure nothing is overlooked. Their work is not only important but also proof that pharmacovigilance is anything but boring.
So, the next time you see a seemingly harmless comment on social media, remember that one of our PV Agents might already be watching with eagle eyes. And that's a good thing! 😉
English 
German