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Information for children and young people about reporting suspected adverse drug reactions

Background When children and young people (CYP) report their own suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs), different patterns of drugs and symptoms are noted. A new guide to reporting suspected ADRs using the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Yellow Card scheme was developed by CYP, paediatric clinical pharmacology, Yellow Card Centres and the MHRA. Methods An anonymous quality improvement project to assess the guide for CYP was undertaken (September 2020–February 2021). Results The survey was completed by 234 CYP age 13–18 years. Within respondents, 68/226 (30.1%) were using medicines, 209/225 (92.9%) had used medicines previously, and 211/225 (93.8%) had heard of side effects. 79/225 (35.1%) believed they had experienced a side effect, with some requiring hospitalisation. Only 8/221 (3.6%) respondents were aware of the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Overall, 182/196 (92.9%) of CYP both understood the guide and felt more knowledgeable about how to report suspected side effects. CYP comfortable to report their own suspected ADR increased from 179/222 (80.6%) before reading guide, to 189/196 (96.4%) after reading the new CYP guide. In addition, 156/196 (79.6%) believed they would report a side effect from a medicine used in future. Over 360 free-text comments were also received, providing comments about what was good about the new guide and areas for improvement that could be made. Conclusion The new guide for CYP to inform them about how to report a suspected ADR to the MHRA was well received and increased the knowledge, and confidence to report, in those who responded. In a QI project, Hawcutt et al report the development of a guide to help CYP report adverse events to medication via the MHRA's yellow card system.