Public Encouraged to Report Drug Side Effects

Islanders are being encouraged to report any suspected side effects from medicines in a bid to improve drug safety.

Health and Care Jersey has signed up to this year’s #MedSafetyWeek campaign, joining the World Health Organisation and more than 130 global partners in promoting medicine safety awareness. The initiative, now in its tenth year, highlights the importance of raising concerns through the Yellow Card reporting system.

Officials said that by sharing information about potential reactions to medicines, Jersey residents can play a key role in helping to protect patients both locally and internationally.

Despite the importance of monitoring drug safety, research shows only between 5% and 10% of side effects are currently reported, often because people are unaware they can flag them, believe the symptoms are not significant, or simply forget.

The Yellow Card scheme, overseen by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), collects reports from both the public and healthcare professionals. These submissions help regulators monitor medicines on the market and take action when necessary to keep patients safe.