What to report

This section provides information about reporting suspected adverse drug reactions for healthcare professionals. Information for patients is available in the 'Patient reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions' section (please see 'Related information on the right of this page').

Complete a Yellow Card if you have a suspicion that a drug has caused an adverse reaction.  But remember - if in any doubt – report today!

Submit reports for the following:


Black triangle drugs and vaccines and reports in children

  • All reactions

Established drugs and vaccines

  • Serious reactions

Other areas of specific interest

  • Delayed drug effect
  • Congenital abnormalities
  • Herbal remedies

ADR Flowchart


What is an adverse drug reaction?

  • An adverse drug reaction (ADR) is an unwanted or harmful reaction experienced following the administration of a drug or drugs. 
  • It is suspected to be related to the drug or drugs.
  • The reaction may be a known side effect of the drug or it may be new and previously unrecognised.

What is the difference between an adverse drug reaction and an adverse event?
An 'adverse reaction' and 'adverse event' are not always the same.

  • An adverse event is any undesirable experience that has happened to the patient while taking a drug but may or may not be related to the drug. An example of an adverse event is a patient being hit by a car while on a specific medication.

Whereas

  • An adverse drug reaction is any undesirable experience that has happened to the patient while taking a drug and it is suspected to be caused by the drug or drugs.  An example of an ADR could be a patient experiencing anaphylaxis shortly after taking the drug.

 

 


Page last modified: 07 February 2008