November 3rd-9th is #MedSafetyWeek – an annual global campaign to highlight the importance of reporting suspected side effects and safety issues resulting from a person’s medication.
In Ireland, our colleagues in the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), who are responsible for regulating medicines and devices in Ireland, lead the activities across the week. This year marks the 10th year of this global initiative and Epilepsy Ireland are happy to support this important campaign again this year. We know from our work several side effects can be very common with most Anti-Seizure Medications.
One of the things we often hear from people with epilepsy is how the side-effects from medications can be one of the most challenging unseen aspects of living with the condition.
This year, the campaign's theme is that we all have the power to make medicines safer. Anyone can report a suspected side-effect of medication to the HPRA including patients, carers, health professionals or any member of the public.
Health authorities in Ireland have also engaged in this global campaign. There is a ‘My Medicines List’ features on the HSE app so people can keep a secure record of all their medications.
We would encourage all people with epilepsy and their parents/guardians to take the time to report side effects from your medications, if you are experiencing them. Reports about side effects can be sent to the HPRA in various ways, including:
- By visiting the HPRA website and filling out the online form
- By visiting the HPRA website and downloading a copy of the adverse reaction report, completing and emailing to medsafety@hpra.ie
- By visiting the HPRA website and printing the adverse reaction report form and posting a completed copy to the HPRA to Freepost, Pharmacovigilance Section, Health Products Regulatory Authority, Earlsfort Centre, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 XP77
- By calling the HPRA on (01) 676 4971.
You can also learn more about side effects by visiting the ‘Treatment’ section of our website.
We know that managing side-effects alongside epilepsy can be a one of the most difficult aspects of living with the condition. If you need any support or information around your or your family member’s journey with epilepsy, do not hesitate to get in touch with your local Community Resource Officer. You can find their details by visiting the 'Our Local Services' section of our website.