The UK’s Royal Society of Medicine have reported that Adverse Drug Reactions have risen by 77% in the decade 1999-2008 resulting in 557,978 hospital admissions during that period. That’ s a lot of ill health caused while attempting to help people with medicines.

So how can drug companies more quickly ascertain such potential side effects earlier?

Currently it’s believed that only 1 in 10 drug side effects get reported . Historically the system has relied upon doctors but more recently since 2005 patients have been able to report such side effects via the Yellow Card system. But it’s a well kept secret. A recent survey of the UK showed virtually no one knew they could  do this.

During the period 2005-2009 only 56,000 ADR’s were reported by doctors and 10,000 by patients – roughly a fifth of those so badly affected they were admitted to hospital. IF the physicians and drugs companies can crack this safety and medical efficacy could be quickly improved. Based on what I’ve read this is long over due.