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Pharmacovigilance Requirements in Ireland

In Ireland, the pharmacovigilance system is fully integrated into the European Union framework and enforced by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). All EU pharmacovigilance legislation applies directly, including Good Pharmacovigilance Practices, with no significant national deviations.

1. Clinical Safety (Clinical Trials)

Clinical trials are governed by the EU Clinical Trials Regulation (CTR 536/2014) and require approval via the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS).

  • Expedited Reporting: Sponsors must report Suspected Unexpected Serious Adverse Reactions (SUSARs) to EudraVigilance.

    • Fatal or Life-Threatening: Within 7 calendar days.

    • Other Serious Unexpected: Within 15 calendar days.

  • Periodic Reporting: Development Safety Update Reports (DSURs) are required annually.

  • Submission: Electronic submission via CTIS and EudraVigilance.

2. Post-Marketing Pharmacovigilance

Marketing Authorization Holders must maintain a pharmacovigilance system compliant with EU Good Pharmacovigilance Practices.

  • Personnel & Infrastructure:

    • Qualified Person for Pharmacovigilance: Mandatory. An EU-resident, qualified professional must be appointed and registered.

    • Pharmacovigilance System Master File: Mandatory. The file must be maintained and available for HPRA inspections.

  • Incident Reporting (ICSRs):

    • Timelines:

      • Serious: Within 15 calendar days.

      • Non-Serious: Within 90 calendar days.

    • Submission: All reports are submitted electronically to EudraVigilance.

  • Risk & Periodic Reporting:

    • Periodic Benefit-Risk Evaluation Reports: Mandatory. Frequency aligns with the EU EURD list (typically every six months initially, then annually).

    • Risk Management Plans: Mandatory for new active substances, biologics, and high-risk products.

    • Additional Monitoring: Medicines under intensive monitoring must display the black inverted triangle (▼) in the Summary of Product Characteristics and package leaflet.

Summary of Requirements

Component Requirement in Ireland
Regulatory Authority HPRA (Health Products Regulatory Authority)
Framework EU Good Pharmacovigilance Practices / Medicines Regulations
Local Qualified Person for Pharmacovigilance Yes (EU Qualified Person)
Pharmacovigilance System Master File Yes
Safety Reporting 15 days (Serious) / 90 days (Non-Serious)
Clinical Reporting SUSARs (7/15 days - EU CTR)
Submission Language English