In the wake of high profile drug withdrawals from the market due to adverse events, regulatory authorities are enforcing stricter guidelines for new drug approval and post marketing surveillance. Drug withdrawal due to severe adverse effects can cripple organizations and has far-reaching consequences. The company not only loses financially due to litigations but it also loses its credibility in the eyes of its customers and shareholders.

Pharmaceutical companies are realizing the importance of having advanced pharmacovigilance systems as they are vital for detecting new safety signals. With innovative IT solutions the safety monitoring of drugs can be enhanced further thereby fostering a sense of trust in doctors and patients in the medicines they use. This paper talks about the role of IT in managing adverse drug effects.