The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Urges Public Participation in #MedSafetyWeek

In a world increasingly reliant on medications and medical devices, the voice of the public has never carried more weight. As the #MedSafetyWeek campaign rolls into its tenth year, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has taken the initiative to call upon the community to play a more active role in safeguarding the integrity and safety of health products. With over 130 health regulators and organizations from 117 countries uniting under a shared banner, the message is clear: everyone can contribute to medicine safety.

Reporting matters more than ever

Lead by the needs of a changing healthcare landscape, the public’s engagement in safety reporting is essential. Recent statistics highlight a concerning trend: approximately 2.5 million people in the UK are now using weight loss medications, many procured from online sources. Additionally, thousands engage with wearable technology like glucose sensors and blood-pressure monitors from the comfort of their homes. This shift makes it imperative to bolster public reporting mechanisms to safeguard health.

Professor Anthony Harnden, MHRA Chair, said:

“Over the past decade, healthcare has transformed substantially. Medicines and medical devices are part of everyday life for millions, often accessed in new ways like online purchases. If you experience a side effect, encounter a malfunctioning device, or suspect a counterfeit product, please use our Yellow Card scheme. Your input could save lives—it only takes a few minutes.”

Real-world reports, real-world impact

The MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme serves as the UK’s dedicated channel for identifying concerns surrounding medicines and medical devices. Recent reports have significantly impacted public health protocols:

• Identification of over 10,000 adverse drug reactions in 2022 alone, prompting immediate regulatory scrutiny.

• Twenty-five reported device failures that informed the recall of faulty products, averting potential harm to users.

• Ongoing investigations spurred by reports concerning over 50 suspected fake medical products in online marketplaces.

The data gleaned from such reports not only protects the public but also aids in investigations regarding counterfeit or unlicensed medications. Moreover, initiatives like the Yellow Card Biobank study, in partnership with Genomics England, are making strides in understanding why individuals may respond variably to the same medication, paving the way for tailored treatment plans in the future.

Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said:

“Every Yellow Card report is crucial. They enhance our comprehension of how products function in the real world. While clinical trials encompass thousands, it’s the millions of real-world users who reveal patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. Even if you’re unsure about the cause, sharing your experience is invaluable.”

We all have a role to play – how to report

Since its inception in 1963, the Yellow Card scheme has gathered more than 1.3 million reports, with citizens now comprising its largest source of data. In an effort to create a culture of safety from an early age, the MHRA has introduced educational components about the Yellow Card scheme into English school curricula, emphasizing the importance of reporting.

Anyone—patients, caregivers, pharmacists, healthcare practitioners—can contribute through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme by visiting yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. The following should be reported:

• Side effects, even if unsure of their connection to a medicine.

• Issues with medical devices, including operational faults or unexpected behaviors.

• Suspicion of counterfeit products, especially those purchased online or via social media channels.

The MHRA’s ongoing FakeMeds campaign offers guidance to UK residents considering online medication purchases, promoting the importance of obtaining products from verified sources. During #MedSafetyWeek, the Agency will disseminate safety messages across social media platforms, urging individuals to voice any concerns regarding medicines or medical devices.

Notes to editors 

1. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is tasked with overseeing all medicines and medical devices in the UK, ensuring their efficacy and safety.

2. Operating as an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, the MHRA is committed to protecting public health through stringent regulatory practices.

3. For media inquiries, please reach out via email at newscentre@mhra.gov.uk or contact us at 020 3080 7651.

As #MedSafetyWeek unfolds, the collective call for vigilance resounds louder than ever: in the realm of health, every report—every voice—counts. Each individual holds the potential to fortify the safety of medical products, thereby constructing a healthier future for all.

Source: www.gov.uk