Health Ministry Urges Patients To Report Medicine Side Effects

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs has issued a statement urging  patients taking medication to be vigilant and proactive in reporting any side effects they may experience. “It is critical for both healthcare professionals and the public to understand how to use medications safely and to recognise potential side effects. More importantly, it is crucial that side effects are reported promptly to healthcare providers,” says Chief Pharmacist, Astrid Mondesir. According to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom, licensed medicines undergo a series of clinical trials.  However, different patients may respond differently to the same medicine, and rarer side effects may only become apparent once a medicine is used by a larger population under everyday conditions. Saint Lucia’s Health Professionals utilise the VigiCarib system—a tool used across the Caribbean region—to manage the reporting of negative drug effects. “This platform is a vital resource for both healthcare professionals and patients. By encouraging individuals to report their experiences, we can gather important data that enhances our understanding of medication safety,” the Chief Pharmacist emphasised. The Ministry is advocating for a collective approach to create an environment where reporting side effects becomes the norm.  Healthcare professionals,...