Pharmacovigilance is now one of the most sought-after career options for life science and healthcare graduates.
With more people entering the field, the competition and the learning curve is growing. For those starting out, terms like MedDRA, Argus database and ICH-GCP guidelines come up a lot.
Do freshers really need to master in depth about MedDRA and Argus database deeply before getting the job?
Or will training on the job be enough to manage the work?
If you’re already working in PV or preparing to enter, I’d love to hear your experience and thoughts
In my opinion, full mastery isn’t a must, but having basic knowledge of MedDRA and Argus can give freshers a good head start. Most training happens on the job, but being prepared makes learning easier.
No, you don’t need to master MeDDRA and Argus before your first PV job - but having basic familiarity can give you a strong edge, especially as a fresher.
Knowing the basics of MedDRA and Argus before your first Pharmacovigilance (PV) job is helpful but not mandatory. It gives you an advantage in understanding safety data and reporting tools. Most companies provide training, but early familiarity shows preparedness and can boost your confidence.
I do not think you need to know MedDRA and Argus very well to start working in PV. The basic idea is good, but the main bulk of the learning comes when you are actually on the job with proper training.
Great topic! I think it’s helpful to have basic knowledge of MedDRA and Argus before starting, but detailed training on the job really builds your skills.
A little prep + hands-on learning = best combo!
One must have basic knowledge of MedDrA, Argus database, ICH-GCP before entering field of PV. But anyone with mastery in it would be more preferable for jobs than candidate with Basic knowledge.
Pharmacovigilance is required through the entire life cycle of a drug – starting at the preclinical development stage and going right through to continued monitoring of drugs once they hit the market.
MedDRA is a rich and highly specific standardised medical terminology developed by ICH to facilitate sharing of regulatory information internationally for medical products used by humans. It is used for registration, documentation and safety monitoring of medical products both before and after a product has been authorised for sale. Products covered by the scope of MedDRA include pharmaceuticals, vaccines and drug-device combination products. Pharmacovigilance includes collecting, analyzing, monitoring, and preventing adverse effects in new drugs and therapies.
While it’s not mandatory to master MedDRA and Argus before landing your first PV job, having a basic understanding definitely gives you an edge.
Most companies provide on-the-job training, but being familiar with key terms and workflow can make the transition smoother and show initiative.
