Ecopharmacovigilance: Concepts, Developments, and Implementation in Reducing the Environmental Impact of Phamaceuticals
TL;DR
The findings indicate that pharmaceutical residues originate from human and veterinary excretion, healthcare facility effluents, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and improper disposal of unused medicines, which contribute to environmental contamination, ecosystem disruption, and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
Abstract
The increasing use of pharmaceuticals has led to greater release of pharmaceutical residues into the environment, posing risks to aquatic organisms, promoting bioaccumulation, and contributing to antimicrobial resistance. This study reviewed the development, implementation, and challenges of ecopharmacovigilance (EPV) through a narrative review of 30 articles published between January 2021 and June 2026. The findings indicate that pharmaceutical residues originate from human and veterinary excretion, healthcare facility effluents, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and improper disposal of unused medicines. These residues contribute to environmental contamination, ecosystem disruption, and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The implementation of EPV is supported by Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA), environmental monitoring technologies, the One Health approach, and green pharmacy strategies. However, inadequate monitoring systems, fragmented regulatory frameworks remain.