Report of Adverse Events in Colombia: A Successful Case

BACKGROUND: The Colombian National Food and Drug Surveillance Institute (INVIMA) is responsible for monitoring the safety and efficacy of medicines circulating the Colombian market. DISCUSSION: This article summarizes the three key strategies the institution has implemented to strengthen the National Pharmacovigilance Program: improving the interaction and working relationship with regional health authorities, expanding the National Pharmacovigilance Network and implementing the electronic submission of adverse events. CONCLUSION: The number of adverse events reported in Colombia increased from 5,447 in 2013 to 95,658 in 2017, reaching a population-based reporting ratio within international standards (563 in 2016).