Trust celebrates International #MedSafetyWeek

October 31, 2023

All medicines can have side effects; in some people, these can be severe.

Reporting an adverse drug reaction, if it occurs, makes the details of that reaction available to be analyzed. This information can be used to add caution and warnings. This knowledge can be used to make sure the right medicines are given to the right patients.  This makes medicines safer for everyone.

Adverse drug reactions are reported online on the MHRA Yellow Card website and there is also an app. This feedback is crucial to ensuring medicines are safe.

For one week each year, we raise awareness of the reporting system and promote recognition and reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions.  The 2023 campaign will run from 6–12 November and will call on patients and healthcare professionals to report all side effects.

The West Midlands Centre for Adverse Drug Reactions is based in our Pharmacy department and we will be raising awareness during the week.