Abstract
Background Homoeopathy is the newest art and science of healing. Like conventional medicine,
pharmacovigilance is an important aspect of homoeopathy. There is a paucity of knowledge
and ignorance among the practitioners. The necessity is to create awareness and encourage
the homoeopathic professionals regarding drug safety surveillance, documentation and
reporting of adverse events.
Methods A web-based online search from databases, journals, bibliographic resources regarding
the practice of pharmacovigilance in homoeopathy was done. Articles and publications
till January 2021 along with literature from homoeopathic books were analysed.
Results Data on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and events in homoeopathy have been collected
and reported in European countries. In India, of late these terminologies are being
acknowledged among a group of homoeopathic practitioners only. Still, a dearth of
cognizance on the subject exists and little reporting is done. People usually do not
relate such adverse reactions to the use of homoeopathic medicines. For scrutinising
the same, the Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, has taken an initiative for Pharmacovigilance
of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani & Homoeopathy systems of medicine for reporting and taking
measures against ADR and objectionable advertisements. The probable risk factors and
ways to prevent ADR and benefits of pharmacovigilance in homoeopathic practice could
be deduced.
Conclusion Homoeopathy is a widely followed system of medicine that is quite popular among the
common people. The need of knowledge and promotion of suspected ADR reporting should
be emphasised to increase the credibility of homoeopathy among the scientific community.
Also, the profession should refrain from misleading and objectionable advertisements
in print and electronic media.
Keywords
pharmacovigilance - homoeopathy - adverse drug reactions - AYUSH
