KRAMER ASKS CONSTITUENTS TO ALERT HER TO DRUG REACTIONS

11.03.00am GMT Mon 27th Feb 2006

Local MP Susan Kramer has asked constituents to alert her to adverse reactions they have to prescription drugs after she tabled questions in Parliament.

She believes many people are unaware of the ‘yellow card’ system which allows patients as well as GPs to report suspected incidents.

Susan Kramer said:

I asked the Minister how many people had died from adverse drug reactions, following concerns from some of my constituents over relatives' experiences.

The answer revealed that 20 people die each week nationally as a result of adverse reactions to prescription drugs.

For some it can be frightening simply to experience a severe reaction. When you are ill you expect medicines to make you feel better rather than make you feel worse.

"I am also concerned that many people do not know about the yellow card system.

"With better reporting we could assess more precisely the pattern of adverse reactions and get better data to inform clinical decisions."

Susan Kramer is asking constituents to write to her if they have experienced adverse reactions so that she can make further representations to the Minister.

You can write to her at her constituency office: Room 302, Parkway House, Sheen Lane, East Sheen, London SW14 8LS