Adverse reactions: Information sources

Most
SPCs 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 SPCs
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.