The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently wrote to consumer and clinical groups about the importance of adverse event reporting. The TGA is the Federal Government agency responsible for regulating medicines and medical devices. The TGA asked that information be passed on to members.
A handout aimed at consumers is available here.

APMA has welcomed the attempt to raise awareness of adverse event reporting, including complementary medicines. APMA Secretary Lil Carrigan said that “It is our experience that many people with chronic pain are heavily reliant upon medications and aids. It is incredibly important to seek advice from your treating doctor as soon as possible, but then to report an adverse event or effect to the TGA – and beware of the many many examples of ‘gadgetry and quackery’ touted by unscrupulous individuals, companies and even sometimes disillusioned consumer groups as being able to ‘cure your pain.’”