Anyone who experiences side effects from taking medicine should report them to health authorities, officials said last week during the territory’s observance of Medicine Safety Week.
“It doesn’t matter if you are a medical professional, patient or pharmacist: Everyone can do their part to make medicines safer by reporting side effects,” said Gracia Wheatley-Smith, government’s chief of drugs and pharmaceuticals.
Through a Nov. 6-12 campaign themed “Who Can Report,” 85 countries and 97 organisations worked together to improve the safety of medicines globally, according to government.
“As part of the campaign, we, along with the other participating countries, are on a quest to raise awareness about the importance of reporting adverse medicine reactions through social media platforms,” Ms. Wheatley-Smith said. “With the constant collection and monitoring of these adverse reactions, we can identify risks associated with medicines and take action to minimise harm.”
Each report received, she added, helps build more knowledge about the risks of medicines.
“Reporting allows action to be taken to minimise risks, which collectively leads to positive benefits to users, better prescribing advice and improved patient outcomes,” she said.
Adverse drug reactions can be reported to any health professional or pharmacist — or by emailing grwheatley-smith@gov.vg or calling 468-9850.
Also as part of the week, health officials shared videos in Spanish and English.