Advice and information for consumers


My medicine: From laboratory to pharmacy shelf

Pharmacist standing by a shelf
This section aims to help you find out more about the life cycle of medicines, from their first scientific discovery through to licensing and ongoing monitoring.

Go to my medicine: From laboratory to pharmacy shelf

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Drug Analysis Prints (DAPs)

Guidance documents

DAPs contain complete listings of all suspected adverse drug reactions or side effects, which have been reported by healthcare professionals and patients to the MHRA, via the Yellow Card Scheme.

Go to the page on Drug Analysis Prints (DAPs)

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Risks of buying medicines over the internet

Laptop computer - thumbnail
This section provides advice on the risks of buying medicines over the internet.

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Leaving hospital with a medical device

Nurse cleaning a wheelchair
This page provides information that may be helpful to consider when a patient or carer is leaving hospital with a medical device.

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Side effects of medicines

Different pills
These questions and answers should cover some of the questions you may have about medicines and side effects.

Go to the questions and answers on the side effects of medicines

Counterfeit medicines and devices

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This section provides information on how we are tackling the problem of counterfeit medicines and medical devices.

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Buying medical devices

Nurse showing patient how to use her crutches

The term 'medical device' covers a huge range of products that have a medical use and are not medicines. This includes anything from walking sticks and hip replacements to glucose monitors, blood pressure machines and pregnancy testing kits. Every day in the UK, millions of people safely use medical devices.

Go to the page on buying a medical device

Medicines and your family

Mother and child with GP
Although many medicines may be taken safely during pregnancy, others may pass to the baby and could harm them. Always talk to your GP or other healthcare professional such as your pharmacist or midwife to obtain advice, especially if you need to take a medicine regularly (for instance to treat a long-term condition).

Go to the page on medicines and your family

Page last modified: 11 January 2013