What is MedSafetyWeek and why it matters
MedSafetyWeek is an international initiative now in its tenth year, uniting more than 130 medicines regulators and health organisations across 117 countries. The campaign emphasizes the importance of public participation in pharmacovigilance: reporting suspected side effects from medicines and incidents involving medical devices. When people share experiences with medicines and devices, health authorities gain vital signals that help protect patient safety and improve public health.
MHRA’s call to action for the public
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is at the forefront of this year’s drive. It urges patients, carers, and healthcare professionals to report:
- Adverse reactions or side effects suspected to be linked to medicines
- Incidents involving medical devices that may compromise safety
- Suspicions of counterfeit or substandard medicines and packaging
Public reporting creates a broader, real‑world picture of medicine safety and helps regulators assess risk faster. Reports can identify rare or previously unknown reactions, track trends across populations, and prompt timely recalls or safety communications when necessary.
How to report and what to expect
Reporting channels vary by country, but most systems offer easy online forms, phone lines, or app submissions. Common elements include the product name, batch/lot number, date of onset, patient details, and a description of the adverse event or suspected counterfeit. Reporters should share as much information as they can recall without compromising personal privacy.
Regulators treat reports with confidentiality and use them to perform signal detection, risk assessment, and, if needed, regulatory action. It’s common for users to be surprised by how small a detail can be pivotal in confirming a safety signal or identifying counterfeit products in circulation.
Why combating fake medicines is critical
Suspected fake medicines pose a serious risk to public health, including ineffective treatment, dangerous ingredients, and increased antibiotic resistance. MedSafetyWeek spotlights the importance of vigilance at every stage—from manufacturing and distribution to patient purchase and use. By reporting suspected fakes, the public helps authorities disrupt illicit supply chains and safeguard trust in healthcare systems.
What individuals can do during MedSafetyWeek
- Check the medication’s packaging, labeling, and the source from which it was obtained. Be cautious with online purchases and unfamiliar vendors.
- Keep an eye out for unusual packaging, wrong labels, or products that look different from what you’ve used before.
- If you suspect a medicine or device is unsafe or counterfeit, report it promptly through your national regulator’s portal or helpline.
- Share your experiences with your healthcare provider to help contextualize any adverse effects or device issues you’ve encountered.
Global collaboration for safer medicines
MedSafetyWeek serves as a reminder that medicine safety transcends borders. Regulators, healthcare professionals, and patients working together enable faster detection of safety issues and stronger protections for everyone who relies on medicines and medical devices every day. Through coordinated reporting and transparent communication, regulators can act decisively—whether by updating labeling, issuing recalls, or strengthening manufacturing controls.
Take part and stay informed
For readers, participating in MedSafetyWeek means contributing to a safer pharmacovigilance ecosystem. Follow your national regulator’s guidance, use official reporting channels, and stay informed about safety updates and device recalls. By reporting side effects and suspected fakes, you help ensure medicines and devices remain safe and effective for all.
