Pharmacovigilance, a science that studies the adverse effects of medicines, has come a long way since its inception in the 1960’s when the thalidomide disaster occurred. Manufacturers of medicinal products must prove the safety and efficacy of their products to obtain regulatory approval and place their product on the market. Side effects of medicines identified in clinical trials are now included in the drug label, along with indications, contraindications, interactions with other drugs and conditions of use. Specific population subgroups