MHRA to let patients report side-effects online

From e-health 18th Jan:

"The DH have implemented changes to the way that adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are reported and publicised, including allowing patients to report reactions bysubmitting electronically through a new website and making drug reaction data available online.The new forms, which are being set up at www.yellowcard.gov.uk, will allow medication users to report any ADRs they encounter, as part of an extension of the existing Yellow Card reaction reporting scheme. According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), this will help them "better understand the patient’s own experience and perspective of adverse drug reactions". Data from clinicians and patients will also be available online in an anonymised format, along with guidance on interpretation, in the form of a drug analysis print (DAP). Less commonly viewed data will be available on request through the Freedom of Information Act 2000."