November 6th – 12th marks #MedSafetyWeek – an annual global campaign which aims to highlight the importance of reporting suspected side effects and safety issues resulting from a person’s medication.
Activities for the week in Ireland are led by our colleagues in the Health Products Regulatory Authority, who are responsible for regulating medicines and devices in Ireland. Epilepsy Ireland are happy to support this important campaign again this year, given that a range of side effects can be very common with most Anti-Seizure Medications.
Epilepsy Ireland CEO Peter Murphy, our representative on the HPRA’s Patient Forum, highlights why reporting side effects is very important for the entire epilepsy community:
Reporting side-effects to the HPRA can help build a stronger knowledge base around a medication, determine whether the side-effects can be addressed by the manufacturer, and can help to inform future patients about potential side effects which they may face. Knowing in advance that a medication can have a certain impact can be helpful when beginning a course of treatment. Not only can you be aware of what to look out for, but working with your medical team, steps can be taken to to ease the impact of the side effect.
This point has been further emphasized by the HPRA Director of Human Products Monitoring, Sinead Curran, who said:
Every report is important in building knowledge and understanding of the benefits and risks of medicines in clinical use and allows action to be taken to minimise risks and to optimise use for patients. Reporting suspected side effects helps to make medicines safer for patients all around the world. In some cases, it can result in better prescribing and dispensing advice to help support better patient outcomes.
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 advice 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.