Ireland joins global medicines safety campaign: ‘Don’t ignore side effects, report them’

02/11/2026 Public health update Press release

As part of #MedSafetyWeek (2-8 November), the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is encouraging patients and healthcare professionals to report suspected side effects from medicines directly to the HPRA. This year's campaign highlights the message, “Don’t ignore side effects, report them,” and the important role that reporting throughout the year plays in the continuous monitoring of medicine safety. The global campaign, the largest to date, will see more than 130 organisations across 120 countries take part, with the message shared in 60 languages.  

While medicines provide significant benefits for millions of people worldwide, side effects can occur and are an important aspect of ongoing medicines safety monitoring. Some side effects appear suddenly, while others develop gradually and even after long-term use. Some may be clearly noticeable, while others are only detected from tests.  

The HPRA calls on all patients and healthcare professionals to stay alert to all types of side effects and report them when they occur. In 2025, the HPRA received over 8,500 reports of suspected side effects. These reports provide important information about the safety of medicines and help regulators like the HPRA identify and respond to any potential risks.  

‘Reports from the public and healthcare professionals have a vital role in helping us monitor the safety of medicines. Every report matters. By taking the time to report a suspected side effect, people contribute to a better understanding of medicine safety and help us identify and manage potential risks. This information can help protect others and improve patient safety,’ says Dr Darren Scully, Medicines Safety Manager at the HPRA.  

‘Side effects may be more likely to occur when starting a new medicine, changing the dose, or when also taking other medicines. Always take the time to read the information leaflet that comes with your medicine and remember to discuss any questions you have with a healthcare professional.’   

Suspected side effects can be reported via the HPRA website at hpra.ie/report or by email to medsafety@hpra.ie. Further reporting options are available on the HPRA website.    

The HPRA is encouraging everyone to support the campaign by sharing information through their websites, newsletters and social media channels, and by joining the conversation using the #MedSafetyWeek hashtag. A range of campaign materials and resources, including posters, email signatures and video backgrounds, is available from the HPRA’s website. 

ENDS 

For further information

Káno Communications     (01) 679 8600          

Sinead Brassil/Eoghan Dowling    (086) 057 9298/083 450 5356    

Notes to editor

  1. Suspected side effects can be reported to the HPRA online at hpra.ie/report, or by email, post or telephone. Reports can be submitted by individuals on their own behalf or on behalf of someone in their care. Full details on how to report are available on the HPRA website.  
  2. Patients are advised to contact a healthcare professional if they are worried about their health. The HPRA is unable to provide medical advice.  
  3. Patients should always read the patient leaflet supplied with their medicine for information about possible side effects and instructions on its safe use.  
  4. The HPRA received over 8,500 reports of suspected side effects in 2025.  
  5. #MedSafetyWeek is an international campaign led by Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC), the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring. The campaign is supported by WHO, members of the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA), and a range of national and international organisations with a close interest in medicines safety. The planning team consists of members from Uppsala Monitoring Centre, the Colombian Association for Pharmacovigilance (ACFV), the Egypt Chapter of the International Society for Pharmacovigilance (ISoP), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA, the Philippines), the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA, Ireland), and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA, UK).   
  6. For more information and free social media assets, visit the campaign website.   
  7. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) regulates medicines, health products and devices for the benefit of people and animals. It is committed to excellence in health product regulation through science, collaboration and innovation. The products under its remit include human and veterinary medicines, medical devices, blood and blood components, tissues and cells, organs for transplantation, and cosmetics.