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EMBASE

Guide to searching Embase, a biomedical database focused on drugs and pharmacology, medical devices, clinical medicine, and basic sciences relevant to clinical medicine.

Using the PV Wizard

This is an intuitive query builder that features a pre-coded search strategy, developed in collaboration with leading industry partners, to simplify the process of building pharmacovigilance searches. The framework is structured into five key sections.

A-Emtree (Controlled Vocabulary Browser)

This section lets you browse the Emtree thesaurus, which is Embase’s controlled vocabulary.
You can explore categories such as diseases, drugs, procedures, and biomedical concepts.
It helps you identify the best standardized term to use in your search.

B-Step Indicator / Search Workflow

This is the PV Wizard workflow navigation bar.
It shows the step you are currently on (Drug name) and the upcoming steps such as:

  • Alternative drug names
  • Adverse drug reactions
  • Special situations
  • Human limit

It guides you through a structured pharmacovigilance search process.

C-Drug Name Input Box

Here you enter the drug name you want to search for (e.g., Paracetamol).
Embase will map your term to the correct Emtree preferred term and suggest alternative spellings or related drug names.

D-Subheadings for Drug Search

This area shows specific pharmacovigilance subheadings you can apply to the drug, such as:

  • Adverse drug reaction
  • Drug toxicity
  • Drug interaction
  • Drug therapy
  • Special situations
  • Unexpected outcomes

These help you narrow your search to specific types of drug-related events.