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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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