As the concertina unfolds, I read about what my medication is and what it is used for, what I need to know before I take it and how to take it. I must say that the language is quite clear – considering the subject matter. Now for the crescendo- the side effects…. If you have any hypochondriac tendencies, this is where they come out to play. First the “could be or could become” serious side effects (common – uncommon – rare). Next up is the plain old side effects (very common – common – uncommon – rare – not known). The rest of the booklet details storage information, contents of the pack and other information. In my mind, I’m still stuck on the side effects section.
When I get home and back to my beloved internet, I checked out a page mentioned in the leaflet. It’s called the Yellow Card Scheme and it’s for reporting side effects directly in the UK. I thought it was a clever name and it stuck in my mind. You can find it on: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/
The Irish equivalent is: http://www.hpra.ie/homepage/about-us/report-an-issue
It is important for people to report problems experienced with medicine or medical devices as these are used to identify issues which might not have been previously known about.
On balance, I am glad that I revisited the package leaflet for my medication. From now on, I will check the “This leaflet was last revised on” date when I pick up my prescription and re-read if required. Scanning through the known side effects is not pleasant but makes me focus on any health issues I may have been dismissing and prompts me to report them. I also will not forget my phone when I am picking up the kids!
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