The MHRA and the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) run the UK's spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting scheme - called the Yellow Card Scheme. This receives reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or side effects from healthcare professionals and patients for medicines and vaccines.
The Yellow Card Scheme is the main ADR reporting scheme in the UK and was introduced in 1964 after the thalidomide tragedy highlighted the urgent need for routine monitoring of medicines. It receives about 25,000 reports of possible side effects each year.
Information for patients
This section contains information about the Yellow Card scheme for patients
Information in other languages
Yellow Card scheme information is available in other languages
Case studies
This page provides case studies about the impact of the Yellow Card scheme and how it helps patients and healthcare professionals.
History of the Yellow Card scheme
This page provides information about the history of the Yellow Card scheme and how it has evolved since its conception over 40 years ago
Information for healthcare professionals
This section provides information on healthcare professionals on adverse drug reactions, including what to report, how to report and answers to frequently asked questions.
Using Yellow Card data to protect public health
Information on how public health is protected through the collection of Yellow Card reports
Go to the pages on using Yellow Card data to protect public health
Information for the pharmaceutical industry
This section provides information for pharmaceutical companies on the reporting of suspected adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports
