ROMA (ITALPRESS) – This year’s global #MedSafetyWeek campaign, scheduled from 2 to 8 November, launches a clear message: “Do not ignore the suspicious side effects of drugs, always report them,” to help protect everyone from any damage. #MedSafetyWeek is an international campaign promoted by the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC), the collaborative centre of the World Health Organization (WHO) for international drug monitoring, and is supported by members of the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) and several national and international organisations actively involved in the safety of medicinal products. Drugs can save human lives and improve the health of millions of people worldwide, but sometimes they can also cause unwanted effects. Some appear suddenly, while others develop gradually, sometimes even after prolonged use. Some may be immediately recognizable, while others are “simples” and detectable only through medical examinations.
The Italian Pharmaco Agency invites all patients and health professionals to pay attention to any type of unwanted effect and to report it if it occurs. Reports provide important information on the safety of medicinal products and allow regulators, such as AIFA, to take appropriate actions, if necessary, to respond to potential risks.
“The reports from patients and health professionals are fundamental because they help us monitor the safety of drugs. Each report helps to increase our understanding of the safety profile of medicines and helps to protect everyone,” says AIFA President Robert Nisticò.
It is more likely that side effects occur when you start a new drug treatment, when you change the dosage or when you take other medications, some foods or herbal products simultaneously. It is important to always read the leaflet contained in the package of the medicine and to confront a healthcare professional on the possible known side effects. It is always necessary to assess whether the symptoms may be an undesirable effect of drugs and report them, especially if they affect daily life, whether they are serious or if they are not reported in the illustrative sheet. It is not necessary to be sure that it was the medicine to cause the symptom in order to signal it.
“Teaching the suspicious side effects may seem a little bit of a deal, but it helps to make drugs more and more safe for everyone. If you suspect an unwanted effect, do not ignore it: always report it!”, recalls Robert Nisticò.
The #MedSafetyWeek 2026 campaign is the largest ever achieved so far: from 2 to 8 November more than 130 organisations from more than 120 countries will spread the messages of the #MedSafetyWeek in over 60 languages.
AIFA invites everyone to participate in the online campaign or promote local initiatives, organizing awareness events, communicating through websites, newsletters and other channels, and joining the conversation on social media, using the hashtag #MedSafetyWeek.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
