How To Report Side Effects of Medications to the NHS

Have you recently been prescribed a new medication by a GP, consultant, or nurse?

In the UK, there are an estimated 3.2 million new medications prescribed every day. As well as this, it is estimated that 1.8 million devices are prescribed per year to members of the public, to help manage health issues. 

However, one of the most common issues that people have with new medications is the side effects. Yes, it is a requirement that all medications and devices come with booklets that look at side effects, but many people note that when they start medication, they experience side effects that are not listed. 

So, with that in mind, what should you do if you note unusual side effects of medications to the NHS?

 

Yellow Cards

If you think you are experiencing an unusual reaction to medication, and are wondering how to report side effects of medication, you can report suspected side effects via the Yellow Card system. 

Yellow Card reporting allows members of the public to report an adverse drug reaction via an app or on the Yellow Card website. You can search on both the app and the site for the medicine or medical device if you have experienced a side effect that was not listed in the pamphlet that came with the medicines and healthcare products. 

Please note that you should contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have immediate concerns about the side effects, or if you are experiencing side effects from medicines or medical devices that you have been using or taking for a while, as this could point to a more serious issues, such as liver or kidney toxicity, or a potential overdosing of the medication.

Also, if you have read reports of side effects from vaccines or medical devices and you are concerned that you are experiencing them, or you are at a higher risk of experiencing them, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also contact us at the NHS directly to report these side effects on our website.

 

Medicine and Medical Devices

If you have been online or have been advised to call 0800 731 6789  to report a suspected adverse side effect from medication or medical devices, it is advised that you should also stop using the medication or device and seek additional medical advice from an NHS GP if you can. If this is not immediately available to you, you should contact 111 for triage about how to manage the medical condition that the medication or device was prescribed for. This will allow you to get help in the interim and will also ensure that the underlying issue is addressed and managed.

 

Emergency Side Effects

When it comes to prescription charge exemptions, age plays a significant role. If you are either under the age of 16 or over 60, you do not have to pay for a prescription. There are some instances where a medication side effect becomes a medical emergency. This is also the case with some vaccine side effects as well as side effects from medical devices. If you or a loved one experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or around the mouth, or develop sudden, intense chest pain that radiates down the left arm, seizures, or collapse, please call 999.

 

You Are Between 16-18 and in Full-Time Education

If you are between the ages of 16 and 18 and are in full-time education, such as college, you are able to receive an exemption from paying for prescriptions. 

 

You Have a Certain Medication Condition

Specific medical conditions allow you to apply for a medical exemption certificate, so you won’t have to pay for any prescriptions. You can get your medical exemption certificate from your GP, and you and your GP must fill out the form. 

 

You Are Pregnant or Have Recently Had a Baby

There is such a thing as a maternity exemption certificate for expecting mothers and mothers who have had their child within the last 12 months. With this certificate, you can access free prescriptions. It also includes free dental care. You’ll need to seek out a form from your GP, midwife, or doctor to get a maternity exemption certificate.

 

You Have a War Pension Exemption Certificate

If you have serviced in the armed forces and are under the age of 60, you can get a war pension exemption certificate, which allows you to get prescriptions without the charges. 

 

You Are On Low Income

If you have a low income, there is the NHS low income scheme, which covers medical costs, including prescriptions, eye care, and dentistry. To gain access to this scheme, you’ll need to have under £16,000 in savings (unless you live in a care home – in this case, your savings must be under £23,250). Depending on your income and overall circumstances, you may be entitled to fully free NHS prescriptions or partial coverage. 

 

When You Do Have to Pay for Prescriptions

You do have to pay for prescriptions if any of the above does not apply to you. If you are a healthy adult who is not pregnant and has a higher-than-low income, you will likely need to pay for your prescriptions. 

 

Any Questions?

If you have any prescriptions about your NHS prescriptions or wish to set up online healthcare, feel free to contact us here at NHS GP Pathfinder Clinics. We are more than happy to assist you in any way.