Social Media and Digital Tools in Adverse Drug Reaction

Pharmacovigilance is traditionally based on a voluntary reporting system that suffers from the underlying and delayed, adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The development of social media and digital technology provides new real-time data sources and analytics tools to extend ADR monitoring. This overview examines current drug-specific landscapes and evaluates the role of social media and digital devices as data mining software in artificial intelligence (AI), mobile applications, and ADR detection. We discuss key platforms (e.g., apps, global databases, AI-based text mining workers) and case studies showing successful implementations (e.g., surveillance of vaccine surveillance via the V- SAFE app on the CDC, MED safety reporting app). Describes benefits (Timelier Signal detection, patient-reported knowledge, global reach) and limitations (data quality issues, data protection/ethical concerns), and regulatory considerations (data protection law, reporting obligations). Finally, future instructions are being considered, including advanced AI/ML integration, portable sensors and harmonization of international guidelines. Digital tools may improve the Pharmacovigilance, but require careful evaluation and integration along with traditional methods.