Adverse drug reactions: Yellow Card reporting scheme 

This course explores when and how to use the Yellow Card scheme to report suspected adverse drug reactions. Through practical guidance and realistic examples, it supports health professionals to recognise reportable reactions, submit effective reports, and understand the role of pharmacovigilance in improving patient safety.

  • 2 hours

    Estimated learning time

  • Case studies

    Practice-based scenarios

  • Certificate

    Awarded on completion

  • Pre & post questions

    Track your learning

Learning objectives


After studying this course you should be able to:

  • Explain why it is important to report suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with the use of medicines
  • Describe the Yellow Card scheme and what happens to Yellow Cards
  • Define who can complete a Yellow Card and the type of situations that should trigger completion of a Yellow Card
  • Specify the information needed for filling out a Yellow Card
  • Find up-to-date sources of information on ADRs
  • Answer patients’ questions about ADRs and explain how they can fill in a Yellow Card themselves  
The discussion areas within each course provides an opportunity to reflect on the content, share experiences from practice, and learn from other health professionals. Taking part in discussions can help support participatory learning as part of your CPD activity.

Course author

Mitulsinh M. Jadeja, Specialist, Safety and Surveillance, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Updated by the author.

All Nursing Times courses are written by expert nurses and double-blind peer reviewed.

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 Last updated 2025
Disclaimer
Healthcare knowledge is constantly changing and we have taken reasonable care to ensure that the content included in this is accurate and up to date at the time it was created. Nursing Times courses are provided for general reference and learning purposes only: they cannot of course take account of individual circumstances and should not therefore be relied upon on their own in connection with administering medicines or providing treatment. We strongly advise users to confirm that the information provided, especially with regard to drug usage, complies with all current legislation and standards of practice. By proceeding to access this course you confirm your acceptance of, and agreement to, these terms.