1. Countries setting up systems for drug safety monitoring should make use of existing experience, including that from WHO and other countries. In this way, scientific resources can be harnessed.

2. Networks for electronic exchange of drug information, in particular relating to safety and which allow for rapid communication, should be established. WHO should take the lead in this endeavour.

3. Regulators should be prepared for crises and guidelines should be available on how to manage a crisis situation involving drug safety.

4. Plans for post-marketing surveillance should be made during drug development.

5. All relevant stakeholders need to be involved in drug safety issues identified by drug monitoring.

6. New drug safety monitoring programmes can be instrumental in the detection of counterfeit drugs, unexpected “lack of efficacy” should be considered and managed as an adverse drug reaction.

7. Authorities should cooperate with other regional authorities when important signals are detected in order to ensure the earliest possible awareness.

8. Principles of good communication should be developed by WHO with input from WHO Member States and regional authorities.