A to Z of MS Yellow Card Scheme

The Yellow Card Scheme allows people to report side effects that the experience from the medication they are taking to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the organisation that licenses and monitors the safety of drugs in the UK.

As well as demonstrating the effect of a new treatment, research trials will also identify possible side effects. However, some side effects may occur in so infrequently that they do not become apparent in the number of people involved in trials and will only be seen when the treatment is in wider use.

Information gathered from Yellow Card reports is assessed by medicine safety experts at the MHRA. If a new side effect is identified, the frequency and seriousness is assessed and the treatment may be required to carry additional warnings or, in rare cases, be withdrawn.

The Yellow Card Scheme allows anyone using any drug - prescribed, over the counter, and herbal preparations - to report side effects, known as adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The scheme can be used by health professionals, people taking the drug or carers.

Yellow Cards are available from pharmacies and GP surgeries or reports can be made through the MHRA website where reports from the Scheme can also be accessed.

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