phase IV

Definitions of phase IV

1. noun

   sometimes the FDA approves a drug for general use but requires the manufacturer to continue to monitor its effects; during this phase the drug may be tried on slightly different patient populations than those studied in earlier trials
   synonyms: phase IV clinical trial

   type of:

   clinical test, clinical trial

   a rigorously controlled test of a new drug or a new invasive medical device on human subjects; in the United States it is conducted under the direction of the FDA before being made available for general clinical use