CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Adverse drug reactions - Management
Additional information
- Health care professionals and members of the public can report suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by using the Yellow Card scheme:
- This is a voluntary scheme for spontaneous ADR reporting.
- A Yellow Card is a standard form, used to report a suspected ADR, that can be submitted to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) electronically or by post.
- To ensure patient confidentiality when reporting:
- Healthcare professionals:
- A local patient identification number (e.g. the patient's local practice or hospital number or any reference number created by the reporter) should be included in order to help the reporter identify the patient in any future correspondence. This does not breach patient confidentiality.
- Members of the public:
- Ask a representative to complete the Yellow Card if the individual wants to remain anonymous or is unable to complete the form.
- Correspondence from the MHRA can be directed to the representative.
- For healthcare professionals:
- Electronic submission:
- Alternatively, paper copies of the Yellow Card can submitted by post and these are available:
- By downloading a electronic copy from the MHRA website.
- By writing to MHRA, CSM Freepost, London, SW8 5BR.
- From the British National Formulary and British National Formulary for Children.
- From the Nurse Prescribers' Formulary.
- From the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry Compendium of Data Sheets and Summaries of Product Characteristics.
- From the MIMS Companion.
- By writing to one of the Commission on Human Medicines Yellow Card Centres (addresses can be found on the MHRA website).
- For members of the public, suspected ADRs can be submitted to the MHRA via:
- The patient reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions section of the MHRA website.
- By post, using Patient Yellow Card report forms:
- These are different from those used by healthcare professionals and are designed for use by the members of the public.
- They are available in GP surgeries and pharmacies or can be obtained by contacting the MHRA by telephone on 020 7084 2000, or by downloading from the MHRA website.
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement