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@article{166109,
        author = {ROHIT SHIVCHARAN PATIL and DIPALI KADUBA SHINDE and DHIRAJ SANTOSH PATIL and LOHAR YOGESH SURESH and YOGESH BAPURAO WAGH},
        title = {A Review of Ecopharmacovigilance Methods for Assessing the Environmental Risk of Pharmaceuticals},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {11},
        number = {2},
        pages = {220-223},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=166109},
        abstract = {Ecopharmacovigilance (EPV) encompasses the scientific study and practical activities related to identifying, assessing, understanding, and preventing the environmental harm caused by  pharmaceuticals. These drugs can infiltrate the environment through various pathways, leading to detrimental consequences.  Examples of pharmaceuticals with documented negative impacts include
Diclofenac sodium: This drug, when consumed by scavengers like vultures feeding on treated carcasses, can be lethal.
Ethinyl oestradiol: This medication disrupts fish populations by "feminizing" male fish.
Ivermectin: This treatment can hinder the growth of dung beetles.
Fluoxetine: This antidepressant has been linked to behavioral changes in shrimp.
Antibiotic use: The widespread use of antibiotics contributes to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment. Several corrective measures can be implemented to lessen the influx of pharmaceuticals into the environment. Reduced pharmaceutical waste and Minimizing the amount of unused or expired medication produced.
Enhanced wastewater treatment: Upgrading sewage treatment plants to more effectively remove pharmaceuticals from wastewater. Green pharmacy initiatives for Promoting the development and use of medications with a lower environmental footprint.
Improved medication disposal systems: Creating more accessible and user-friendly systems for safe disposal of unwanted medications. Regulatory bodies have adopted various strategies to address the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals. These include in environmental risk assessment (ERA). This process evaluates the potential environmental hazards associated with new drugs before their approval.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): This legislation establishes regulations for the management of hazardous waste, including some types of pharmaceutical waste. Risk mitigation measures these are specific actions taken to minimize the environmental risks posed by existing medications. By monitoring the effects of drugs not only on human health but also on the environment, we can ensure a more sustainable future for both.},
        keywords = {Ecopharmacovigilance, pharmaceuticals, environment, green pharmacy},
        month = {January},
        }