The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched its seventh annual campaign urging clinicians and patients to report any suspected side effects or adverse incidents pertaining to medicines and medical devices.
The global campaign involves regulators from more than 80 countries and aims to promote public and sector engagement in actively improving patient safety.
Once flagged to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme, any suspected adverse incidents or risks are catalogued and investigated by the regulator – since being established in the mid-sixties, the initiative has identified, and dealt with, many safety concerns related to medicines and medical technologies, improving patient safety and strengthening the clinician-user relationship in the health sector.
Phil Tregunno, MHRA Deputy Director of Patient Safety Monitoring, said: “Every report made by a patient, a healthcare professional, or a carer plays a key role in gaining knowledge about the risks of medicines and medical devices in clinical use and allows rapid, targeted action to be taken to minimise harm and ensure that the benefit-risk remains favourable.
“Reporting suspected side effects and adverse incidents to the Yellow Card website is not just about the individual involved, it helps to improve the safety of medicines and medical devices for all patients. By reporting, you are part of the solution – and you may be helping to protect the most vulnerable, at-risk groups from potential harm.
“If you, your child, or a patient in your care experiences a suspected side effect or adverse incident relating to a medicine or medical device, it is essential that you report it to us promptly. The faster you report, the likelier it is that we can intervene and prevent others from experiencing untoward, serious, life-altering, and occasionally life-threatening issues.”
You can report any potential side effects, adverse incidents or risks by visiting the Yellow Card scheme’s website, via the free Yellow Card app, on the telephone at 0808 100 3352, or by using paper forms available in pharmacies and GP surgeries.
Follow the campaign by searching #MedSafetyWeek on social media or by clicking here.
