The Yellow Card Scheme is run by
the MHRA and CHM. It collects, collates and investigates reports of suspected adverse drug reactions. The scheme was set up in response to the thalidomide tragedy, which highlighted the urgent need for routine monitoring of the safety of medicines by a central body independent of the pharmaceutical industry. It was the world’s first spontaneous reporting scheme for the reporting suspected adverse drug reactions and is the cornerstone of post marketing drug safety
surveillance in the UK. The scheme is voluntary and relies the identification and reporting of adverse drug reactions by health professionals and patients.
What to report
Adverse reactions resulting from the following can all be
reported, even if there is any doubt about whether or not an adverse reaction has occurred.
All reactions to new drugs (i.e. drugs marked with inverted black triangle )
Any serious reaction to all other drugs
Prescription medicines (including unlicensed use or drug)
)
