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The medicines safety watchdog has launched a UK-wide pilot that enables patients to directly report suspected side effects from medicines.
Healthcare professionals have been able to report suspected side effects to the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA), through the 'yellow card scheme' for the past 40 years. This pilot opens the scheme to patients, enabling them to report side effects directly to the MHRA.
The scheme collates information on prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal or other complementary medicines. This information is assessed by a team of medicine safety experts at the MHRA. This contributes to the continuing
assessment of medicines, and how they compare with other treatments for the some condition. If the risks of side effects outweigh the benefits of treatment, the MHRA may withdraw the drug from the market.
Patients are invited to report any suspected side effect, but the MHRA is especially keen to hear about:
• a suspected side effect that is not mentioned in the patient information leaflet that carne with the medicine
• a suspected side effect that has been severe enough to interfere with everyday activities.
You can send a yellow card report about any suspected side effect you have. You can also do so for someone you are responsible for, such as your spouse, partner, or child (with their agreement). The MHRA will acknowledge all yellow card reports received, and send you a copy of the report for your records. They may ask you if they can contact your doctor for further medical information.
How to make a yellow card report:
• on the web at the yellow card website - www.yellowcard.gov.uk
• to the yellow card hotline on free phone 0808 100 3352 during business hours. A translation service is available on this number for speakers of languages other than English.
• on a yellow card form (above right), available from pharmacies and GP surgeries.
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