Published: 4 November 2024
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#MedSafetyWeek 2024 Media Release
4 November 2024
#MedSafetyWeek a reminder to use medicines as directed
“This #MedSafetyWeek, we want to emphasise the importance of taking medicines as directed to reduce the risk of side effects. Healthcare professionals also have an important role in the prevention of side effects, by taking the safety profile of medicines into account when prescribing and educating patients on the safe use of their medicines,” Chris James, Group Manager for Medsafe says.
#MedSafetyWeek is a worldwide event running from 4-10 November involving 92 organisations across 86 countries. This year’s theme centres on the importance of using medicines as directed to prevent side effects, and to report side effects when they do occur.
“We all take medicines when we are sick or to improve our health, and occasionally these medicines can cause side effects. Using medicines as directed reduces the risk of side effects and harm. Reporting side effects when they happen enables Medsafe to quickly identify and respond to emerging medicine safety issues,” Chris James says.
“Many people think only scientists and healthcare professionals can contribute to medicines safety, but patients have a crucial part to play. When you report your suspected side effects to Medsafe and the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring, you help us to detect, investigate and take action on safety concerns.”
“Patient safety is at the heart of what we do at Medsafe. Medicines regulators like Medsafe have reporting systems to monitor the safety of medicines. The purpose is to gain more knowledge about known side effects and to discover new ones. This can result in warnings and changes to how a medicine is used.”
In New Zealand, anyone can report suspected side effects using the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring online form.
During #MedSafetyWeek 2024, everyone can help to raise awareness of reporting suspected side effects by using the hashtag #MedSafetyWeek on social media and resharing posts from the Ministry of Health and other local organisations.
