Manila: Running from Nov. 3 to 9, this year’s campaign carries the theme ‘We Can All Help Make Medicines Safer,’ highlighting the shared responsibility of patients, families, healthcare professionals, and regulators in ensuring medicine safety.

According to Philippines News Agency, the campaign aims to raise awareness on the importance of reporting suspected side effects to help the FDA’s Center for Drug Regulation and Research (CDRR) identify potential risks and take appropriate actions. These reports play a vital role in promoting public health and improving medicine safety.

Since medicines, like all products, have risks, the FDA underscored that continuous vigilance helps ensure that medicines are safe for everyone. It noted that only 5 to 10 percent of suspected side effects are reported globally. Common reasons for not reporting include lack of awareness, the belief that the side effect is minor, or simply forgetting to do so.

CDRR Product Research and Standards Development Division Chief Lanette Lee Querubin said the FDA continues to enhance pharmacovigilance in the country through improved reporting mechanisms, including the VigiMobile app and online submission via VigiFlow nationwide information drives, and partnerships with the Department of Health, Philippine Information Agency, and the World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Centre.

‘When we speak up, we save lives,’ FDA Director General Paolo Teston said. ‘Our vision is a nation where every Filipino becomes a partner in medicine safety.’