The tenth annual #MedSafetyWeek has begun, this year encouraging people to report side effects and suspected fake drugs.

#MedSafetyWeek brings together more than 130 medicines regulators and health organisations across 117 countries.

The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is urging the public to help keep medicines, medical devices, vaccines and blood products safe by reporting any side effects, device incidents and suspected fake medical products.

A particular emphasis was put on weight-loss treatments, which around 2.5 million people in the UK are now using. Many of these are bought and delivered in the post.

The public are encouraged to use the Yellow Card scheme to report side effects, medical device problems and suspected fake products.

Professor Anthony Harnden, MHRA chair, said: “Healthcare has changed significantly over the past decade, alongside advances in science and technology. Medicines and medical devices are part of everyday life for millions of people, and many are accessed in new ways, including online.  

“If you experience a side effect, notice a device isn’t working properly, or suspect a fake medical product, please tell us via the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme. Your report could protect others – and it only takes minutes.”

Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, said: “Every Yellow Card report matters because it adds to our understanding of how medicines, medical devices and vaccines perform in the real world. Clinical trials involve thousands of people, but once a product is used by millions, patterns emerge that we couldn’t see before. Your report might be the one that helps us connect the dots and protect others. Importantly you don’t need to be certain about the cause – just tell us what you’ve experienced.”