PatientsLikeMe is proud to announce a pilot program in our multiple sclerosis community which helps patients submit treatment-related adverse events directly to the The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through our site.
"Adverse events" are severe side effects or events that occur as a result of using a medication, medical product or device. Understanding when these events occur helps the FDA better regulate the pharmaceutical and medical product industries to protect consumer safety and bring safer, more effective products to market.
We are excited about this pilot as it marks the first time ever that an online patient community has helped its members identify and report adverse events. We recently submitted our first batch of reports to the FDA's MedWatch system.
Patients like you are becoming more and more influential in their treatment decisions. No longer are you simply consumers of pharmaceuticals and medical products, you are customers. In this emerging world, you have become better educated about your treatment options, the risk and benefits of different treatments, and your overall quality of health. Now you have the opportunity to tell the FDA if you’ve had an adverse event.
Welcome to the new world.