Health chief says 'never ignore' subtle symptom when taking medication

Health chief says 'never ignore' subtle symptom when taking medication More than one in 10 people often suffer side effects when taking medication A health expert has issued an urgent side-effect warning to anyone taking medication saying they have "the power" in their hands. Most medications carry some side effects ranging from common problems which affect more than one in 10 people through to rare or severe adverse reactions which affect fewer than one in 10,000 people. The common issues are often very mild and can include things such as nausea, drowsiness, fatigue, or mild headaches. However, some of the rare problems can be serious and include major affects on the body's organs or severe allergic reactions. But while those serious reactions will usually be reported to the authorities, many people just put up with the mild ones, thinking it isn't worth acting on. However, posting on X on Monday, the World Health is urging people to take action - even if their reaction is mild. Dr Shanti Pal, of the WHO Regulation and Safety Unit warned even just not feeling "right" might be something to do with your medication. She asked: "Ever taken a medicine and felt off, a symptom you weren't expecting? "A rash, an upset stomach, unusual tiredness, something that just didn't feel right. These could be signs of a side effect. Don't ignore it. Report it." She said the information could prove vital and make a difference to others in the future. She explained: "Medicines can improve health and save lives every day, but sometimes they can cause side effects. That's why reporting matters. That list of side effects in your medicine leaflet it exists because people like you spoke up. "Reports from patients and healthcare professionals help us know our medicines better. Every symptom you report becomes real-world evidence, a picture of how a medicine actually works, not in a lab, but in real life for real people. "When you report a side effect, you're doing more than sharing your story. You're giving experts a valuable piece of the puzzle. When combined with other reports, it can help those very experts identify potential safety issues, and timely action can be taken to keep patients safe. "That's the power in your hands. So, if you experience a side effect, talk to a healthcare professional and report it through your national reporting system. Because your voice can help make medicine safer and help protect others, maybe even someone you know or love." In the UK people should report any side effects - (Adverse Drug Reactions or ADRs) through the Yellow Card reporting scheme run by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the organisation which regulates medicines, medical devices, blood components, e-cigarettes, and herbal or homeopathic remedies across the country. It advised: "Your Yellow Card report plays a key part in keeping others safe. Your experience can ensure that all healthcare products can continue their positive impact on peoples’ lives, by helping the MHRA identify new safety issues as early as possible." The MHRA is running a campaign throughout the week of November 2-8 urging people to tell them of side effects. It said the key message was: "Side effects - don't ignore them, report them". It added: "There are many different types of side effects and if you think you’re experiencing a side effect, do not suffer in silence – report it." What should I report? The MHRA advised: "For established medicines and vaccines you should report all serious suspected ADRs, even if the effect is well recognised." It said it was particularly interested in receiving Yellow Card reports of suspected ADRs: - in children - in patients who are over 65 - to biological medicines and vaccines - associated with delayed drug effects and interactions - to complementary remedies such as homeopathic and herbal products How to report a side effect You can report an issue with a medicine, device, vaccine, herbal or homeopathic remedy via the Yellow Card scheme. You can report suspected side effects electronically via: - the Yellow Card website - the free Yellow Card app - download now from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store Ensure our latest health news always appears at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings Alternatively, for any patients who do not have online access to report a suspected side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, call 0800 731 6789 for free, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Medical devices adverse incidents Report any adverse incident involving a medical device: - in England, Wales and Northern Ireland using the Yellow Card scheme in accordance with your organisations medical device policies and procedures. - in Scotland, to the Health Facilities Scotland online incident reporting system unless you are a private facility providing care to private clients, in which case you should report to the MHRA and the Care Inspectorate Defective, fake medicines and medical devices, and e-cigarettes Use the Yellow Card website to report information on suspected problems or incidents involving: - a defective medicine (not of an acceptable quality) - a falsified product (fake medicine or fake medical device) - safety concerns associated with e-cigarettes or their refill containers (e-liquids)