Adverse reactions: Information sources

Last updated: Monday, January 22, 2018

Most SmPCs include details of adverse events and their frequency. Don't just look at section 4.8 ('Undesirable effects'), you may need to look in sections: 4.3 'Contra-indications', 4.4 'Special warnings and precautions', 4.7 'Effects on ability to drive and use machines', and 4.9 'Overdose'. We have a guide to using online SmPCs here.

The MHRA's Yellow Card data are available online as 'interactive Drug Analysis Prints' (iDAPs); make sure you’ve read the interpretation guide first. iDAPs for vaccines are only available upon request from pharmacovigilanceservice@mhra.gov.uk. The MHRA’s useful publication Drug Safety Update is available online with a helpful search facility, and you can also subscribe to it via email to keep yourself up-to-date with major safety issues.

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Subscription resources such as Martindale and AHFS Drug Information, and Lexicomp or Micromedex, can be valuable. They may give data on the outcome of a side effect (e.g. reversibility, duration) and its management (e.g. treatment options). References are usually provided so you can follow these up if necessary. Consider using Medline and Embase if you can't find what you need in other sources, but choose your search terms carefully.

Expert clinicians or specialist clinical pharmacists can often give practical advice on complex cases (e.g. a dermatologist’s opinion on a skin reaction).

Be careful about conducting a general internet search for information on an adverse reaction. If you do, you may like to look at our brief guide to evaluating websites about medicines.

Presenting your answer 

Once you’ve asked sufficient questions, gathered the information required and assessed it, you’ll need to provide an answer. We can offer you some general guidance on answering clinical problems.