MHRA stands for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. If you take medicines, use medical devices, or buy drugs online, the MHRA is the UK body that posts safety alerts, approves vaccines and medicines, and runs the Yellow Card system for reporting side effects. Knowing how to use MHRA resources helps you spot recalls, avoid fake meds, and get problems reported fast.
The MHRA publishes safety warnings and recalls when a medicine or device has a problem. These notices tell you what to look for, whether to stop a treatment, and how to return products. They also oversee the approval of new medicines and monitor safety after a drug hits the market. That means the MHRA isn’t just approving drugs once — it keeps watching for risks over time.
If you notice a bad reaction or suspect a device is faulty, use the Yellow Card scheme. You can report online or via the Yellow Card app. Useful details to include: the medicine or device name, batch or lot number, when you started using it, a clear description of what happened, and any other medicines you take. If you still have the box or leaflet, include the batch number and expiry date — that helps investigators quickly identify an issue.
Don’t wait if the reaction is serious. If someone is having trouble breathing, fainting, or has severe swelling, call emergency services right away. After immediate care, file a Yellow Card so the MHRA can track the problem.
When you report, the MHRA looks for patterns. One report might be an isolated case; many similar reports can trigger an investigation, a safety alert, or a recall. Your report matters because it adds to the evidence they need to act.
Buying meds online is convenient, but it carries risks. Here’s how to stay safe: only buy from UK-registered pharmacies that require a prescription for prescription-only drugs; check the site has real contact details and a pharmacist you can reach; avoid offers that sound too good to be true — extremely low prices or huge discounts on prescription meds are often a red flag.
Also, compare the medicine packaging and leaflet with trusted sources. If pills look different, or instructions are missing, don’t take them. Save the packaging and batch number if you do buy something — that info is vital if you need to report a problem to the MHRA.
Sign up for MHRA email alerts or follow their official channels to get updates about recalls and safety news. If you manage medicines for older relatives, register alerts and make sure they know to report side effects too.
Bottom line: use MHRA tools like Yellow Card, keep medicine details handy, and only use reputable pharmacies. Do these simple steps and you’ll cut your risk of harm and help protect others as well.
In a sweeping safety revision, the MHRA has updated the guidelines on domperidone usage, limiting its recommendation to treating nausea and vomiting. The update emphasizes minimal effective dosages and advisories for patients with heart or liver conditions, aiming to mitigate heart-related risks.