Brazil joins global campaign to encourage reporting of adverse drug effects

#MedSafetyWeek was created to raise awareness and to encourage reporting of side effects.

From 2 to 8 November, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) takes part in the #MedSafetyWeek campaign, a global initiative that brings together regulatory authorities and health organizations from around the world to raise public awareness about the importance of reporting adverse events and side effects related to the use of medications.

This year, the campaign brings a clear message: “Adverse effects: don’t ignore them. Report them.”

Medicines play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of diseases, helping to improve the quality of life around the globe and to save millions of lives. However, like any health intervention, medicines can also cause adverse effects. Some of them occur immediately, while others may happen gradually, even after long periods of use.

Therefore, reports submitted by patients, healthcare professionals, and other citizens are essential for the non-stop monitoring of medication safety. The information reported enables regulatory health authorities to identify new risks, broaden knowledge about products available on the market, and adopt measures that contribute to protecting public health. Unfortunately, less than 10% of side effects are reported.

According to Anvisa Pharmacovigilance official Viviane Vilela, every report is important and plays a significant role in monitoring medication safety: “Each account expands our understanding of the potential risks associated with the use of these products and can help protect others from future harm”.

For that reason, Anvisa encourages patients, healthcare professionals, and society to remain alert regarding any potential adverse effects and to report them whenever they occur. Participation from everyone strengthens pharmacovigilance and assists regulatory authorities in adopting measures aimed at the safe and rational use of medications.

The 2026 edition of #MedSafetyWeek is the largest one, since its creation in 2016. During the week, more than 130 organizations from over 120 countries will share materials in more than 60 languages, extending the reach of messages about medication safety to various regions across the globe.

You can join the initiative, follow the campaign, share content, and help raise awareness about the importance of reporting adverse effects.

More information available on https://who-umc.org/about-medsafetyweek/.