#MedSafetyWeek – Side Effects: Don't Ignore Them, Report Them

#MedSafetyWeek - Side Effects: Don't Ignore Them, Report Them

Source: Uppsala Monitoring Centre

Press Release

Medicinal products can save lives and improve the health of many people around the world. However, they can also cause undesirable side effects, also known as adverse reactions. Some adverse reactions occur suddenly, while others develop gradually and appear only after prolonged use. Some are clearly noticeable, while others are "silent" and can only be detected by an exam. It is important to report suspected adverse reactions in order to identify possible risks associated with medicinal products at an early stage. That importance is highlighted by the #MedSafetyWeek, an international campaign running from 2 to 8 November 2026. More than 130 organisations in over 120 countries are taking part in the campaign, which is coordinated by the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC), a Collaborating Centre of the World Health Organization (WHO). The participating organisations are spreading the message in more than 60 languages. In Germany, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, the Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, and the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM) are once again taking part in the campaign. Both authorities are responsible for monitoring the safety of medicinal products in their respective areas of competence. Their tasks include recording and evaluating suspected adverse reactions.

Recognise, Take Seriously, and Report Side Effects

The theme of this year's #MedSafetyWeek campaign is "Side effects - don't ignore them, report them". The campaign calls on healthcare and pharmaceutical professionals, patients, and their relatives to be aware of possible side effects and to report any suspected cases. If you notice any potential adverse reactions, you should discuss them with a doctor or pharmacist.

Reports of suspected adverse reactions provide the medicines regulatory authorities with important information about possible medicinal product risks. These reports help the authorities to identify previously unknown or rare adverse reactions and to take any necessary and appropriate measures to protect patients. In Germany, suspected adverse medicinal product reactions can be reported easily and directly to the BfArM or the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut via the online reporting portal www.nebenwirkungen.bund.de.

Get Involved and Raise Awareness of Side Effects

#MedSafetyWeek relies on social media to reach as many people as possible and raise awareness of medicinal product safety. Help raise awareness of side effects by sharing the participating medicines agencies' posts during the campaign week from 2 to 8 November 2026.

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