The UK has moved its Yellow Card Scheme into the mobile age, launching a smartphone app that allows patients to report potential side-effects and adverse reactions directly to the MHRA.

The medicines regulator's free new app - which is also aimed at carers and healthcare professionals - also allows users to select specific medicines or vaccines to track and receive news and alerts about them.

The iOS and Android app was created in collaboration with the Innovative Medicines Initiative's WEB-RADR project, which aims to boost biopharmaceutical innovation.

Life Sciences Minister George Freeman MP said: “The Yellow Card Scheme has played a vital role in the safety of medicines for the last 50 years and the launch of this new mobile app brings it into the 21st century.

“By making the scheme accessible to researchers, healthcare professionals and millions of patients, it will not only improve the safety of reporting but ultimately better protect people's health and support research in the NHS."

Its formation prompted by the Thalidomide safety scandal, the Yellow Card Scheme was set up to monitor the safety of UK medicines and act as an early warning system. It covers all licensed and unlicensed prescription medicines and vaccines, plus those bought over the counter from a pharmacist or supermarket.

Digital inspiration for pharma on mobile, social media, strategy, best practice, regulations and more