Home
/
NowPatient Blog
/
How and where do I report side effects of my medication?

How and where do I report side effects of my medication?

Stefano Mirabello NowPatientGreen tick
Created on 21 Sep 2023
Updated on 29 Aug 2024

The timely reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or side effects is crucial for monitoring the safety of medications on the market. This process helps regulatory agencies identify potential safety concerns and take necessary actions to ensure patient safety. Here, we delve into the procedures for reporting side effects of medications in the UK and US.

Reporting side effects in the UK

In the United Kingdom, the primary system for reporting side effects is the Yellow Card Scheme, managed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

What is the Yellow Card Scheme?

The Yellow Card Scheme is a system for collecting and monitoring information on suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to medicines.

Who can report?

Everyone can report side effects – this includes health professionals (like doctors and pharmacists) as well as the general public.

How to report using the Yellow Card Scheme:

  • Online: Visit the Yellow Card Scheme website.
  • Mobile App: Download the Yellow Card app from the App Store or Google Play.
  • Now Paient App: You can report side effects conveniently from the nowpatient.com App
  • Paper forms: Available from the MHRA or in the back of the British National Formulary (BNF). Once filled out, they can be mailed to the address provided.

What to include in the report:

  • Details about the person experiencing the side effect.
  • Information about the medicine or product causing the side effect.
  • A description of the side effect or reaction.

Reporting side effects in the US

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications. To report side effects, the FDA encourages the use of the MedWatch program.

What is MedWatch?

MedWatch is the FDA’s system for reporting adverse events and product complaints about drugs, medical devices, and other health products.

Who can report side effects?

Similar to the UK, both health professionals and consumers can report side effects to MedWatch.

How to report using MedWatch:

  • Online: Use the online reporting form available at the MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form.
  • Fax: Download the pre-addressed, postage-paid form (FDA Form 3500) from the FDA website and fax it to the number provided.
  • Now Paient App: You can report US side effects to the FDA conveniently from the nowpatient.com App
  • Mail: Similarly, download the FDA Form 3500 and mail it to the address given on the form.

What to include in your report:

  • Patient information.
  • A detailed description of the adverse event or product problem.
  • Information about the suspect product.
  • Information about the person submitting the report (this can be anonymous).

Why Reporting is Important:

Both the Yellow Card Scheme and MedWatch provide essential data that helps in the ongoing safety monitoring of health products. This data:

– Alerts regulators to new, unusual, or rare side effects.
– Supports further investigations if needed.
– Can lead to changes in how a product is used or even its removal from the market.

While many side effects are already known and documented when a medicine gets approved, some rare or long-term side effects might only emerge when larger populations or specific groups of patients use the medicine. Reporting side effects, no matter how minor they might seem, contributes to a safer healthcare environment for everyone.

Always remember: if you or someone you know experiences a side effect from a medication, it’s essential to report it. Your input can help ensure the ongoing safety and effectiveness of medicines for everyone.

Sources

Medical Disclaimer

NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.

The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.

Now Patient Data Security

Data Security

Trusted and certified to keep your data safe.

Learn moreNow Patient Data SecurityNow Patient Data Security

WHY WE BUILT NOWPATIENT

We are committed to helping everyone, everywhere live healthier lives

The NowPatient virtual care platform provides you with access to trusted health information, affordable treatments, management of chronic health conditions and continuous monitoring for health risks. NowPatient can be accessed by downloading the App or using your web browser.

Download our app today

NowPatient dashboard

Your Questions Answered

For your peace of mind, we can answer your questions quickly

What does NowPatient do?

NowPatient is an online pharmacy & telehealth service that is available in the US and UK. Our service is FREE and packed with useful features that can help you save money on the cost of your medications, access virtual treatments, and provide tools that can help improve your overall health.

Get started today and benefit from medication remindersGet Treated PrivatelyNHS online pharmacyGP appointment bookingRx savings cardDrug CouponsUS drug savings programshealth conditions informationgenetic testinghome test kitsBMI RisksType 2 Diabetes Riskspollen meterair quality monitor, and lots more!

Our service is operated by experienced medical professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom. You can view the online services that we provide by clicking Features.

UK users can safely and securely buy medicines online that treat a wide range of medical conditions. UK customers can also order NHS prescriptions online with the benefit of free tracked delivery.

US customers, regardless of insurance coverage, can enjoy huge savings on prescription medications using our various drug savings programs including drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.

Where is NowPatient located?

NowPatient has offices in the United Kingdom and United States.

In the UK, we are located at:

NowPatient
28 Chipstead Valley Road
Coulsdon
Surrey
CR52RA

In the US, we are located at:

NowPatient
8911 North Capital of Texas Highway
Suite 4200 #1263
78759
Austin, TX

How can I contact NowPatient?

To contact NowPatient, please use the contact form available on the Contact Us page.

Alternatively, if you need to speak to us, you can reach us on the following numbers:

UK telephone number – 020 388 51 500
US telephone number – 1-866-967-1977

Who owns NowPatient?

NowPatient is owned and operated by Infohealth Ltd, a licensed online pharmacy with services spanning the UK, US and Rest of the World. Infohealth Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 04004930 and our registered office is at Lynwood House, 373 – 375 Station Road, Harrow, England, HA1 2AW.

Our website is www.nowpatient.com. Our App is called “NowPatient” and can be downloaded from the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play (for Android devices).

Can you tell me more about your NHS online pharmacy?

NowPatient’s Pharmaceutical services in the UK are provided by Infohealth Limited trading as ‘Infohealth Pharmacy’.

Our dispensing pharmacy is regulated and authorized for internet sales by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), registration number 1036487. You can view our license credentials on the General Pharmaceutical Council website. Our superintendent pharmacist who is responsible for the safe and effective oversight of medicines supplies is Mr Amish Patel (Registration Number 2042705).

Medicines are not ordinary items of commerce. All medicines or healthcare product sales are made under the supervision of a registered pharmacist who is licensed by the GPhC. At all times, we endeavour to provide a professional and transparent service whose primary goal is to ensure that the best interests of the patient are served.

How do I make a complaint?

From time to time, we accept that our service levels may not be up to your expectations. NowPatient welcomes concerns, compliments and complaints as valuable feedback that will help us learn from your experiences and make improvements. Feedback can be provided via our clear and transparent Complaints Procedures.

Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s prescribing services for treatments offered?

Our prescribing services are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). We provide the following regulated activity:

• treatment of disease, disorder, or injury
• transport services, triage, and medical advice are provided remotely
• caring for adults over 65 years old
• caring for adults under 65 years old

NowPatient prescribing services are run by Infohealth Limited. The Clinical Safety Officer and nominated individual is Mr Navin Khosla.

Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s US services?

Our head of US services is Dr. Jamie Winn.

You can lower the cost of your prescription medications using our various savings programs which include drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.

We do not provide any prescribing services or dispensing services in the United States.

Is NowPatient legit and can I trust information from NowPatient?

Yes. NowPatient provides trustworthy and accessible clinical, health education and prescription services. We are also trusted by the NHS to deliver clinical and NHS repeat prescription dispensing across the whole of England. In the United States, we work with over 65,000 pharmacies to deliver considerable costs savings for our users.

NowPatient is operated by experienced licensed medical professionals in the United Kingdom and United States. Our Medical Team can be found here.

Our service is trusted by thousands of patients worldwide. You can read their reviews on our Trustpilot:

NowPatient Trustpilot

What are NowPatient’s opening hours?

Our office hours are:

UK – Monday-Friday 9am-6pm GMT
US – Monday-Friday 8am-5pm EST

Please note that we are closed at weekends.

In the event of a medical life-threatening emergency please call:

UK – 999
US – 911

In the event of a medical emergency which is not life-threatening please call:

UK – 111

Find more answers