Action to protect public health

Reporting adverse drug reactions
The MHRA collects information on suspected adverse drug reactions and suspected defects in medicinal products including Herbal Medicines via the Yellow Card Scheme.   The Scheme is used to collect information from health professionals and patients on suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

What should you do if you think you, or someone else you know, have had an adverse reaction to a herbal medicine?

• All medicines, including herbal medicines, may cause side effects or unwanted reactions.
• If you think you have had a reaction to your herbal medicine, you should discontinue use and tell your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you think you or someone else has had an unwanted or harmful reaction after taking a herbal medicine (commonly referred to as a suspected adverse drug reaction), we would like to know. This will help us give advice to other patients and healthcare professionals - and will help us make sure herbal medicines in the UK are safe.
• You can report a reaction yourself directly to us using a system called the Yellow Card Scheme.
• This can be done online or by filling out a paper yellow form which is available upon request by calling 020 7084 2000.
• Alternatively, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist to report the reaction us on your behalf.
• Any information received by us will be held in complete confidence and your personal details will not be given to anyone else without your permission

More information on the Yellow Card Scheme can be found on the Reporting suspected adverse drug reactions section.

Enforcement action
The MHRA takes action as necessary to uphold the law and protect public health. Breaches of regulations are subject to investigations and, where appropriate, cases may be liable for prosecution.  Such investigations will be instigated reactively as the result of referrals to the Agency or as a pro-active response following identification of a risk.

The MHRA Enforcement & Intelligence Group (E & I) has responsibility for enforcing medicines legislation in England and does so in Scotland and Wales on behalf of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly. The Group deals with any illegal activities involving medicines and their availability, manufacture, import, sale, supply and administration: from sale and supply of unlicensed products to manufacture and distribution of licensed products.

Examples of successful prosecutions can be found in our Enforcing the law section. 

How can I help the Enforcement & Intelligence Group?
By reporting any information you may have regarding premises with suspicious activities related to medicines, advertisements or sales of medicines.