WHO MedSafetyWeek 2026 (2–8 November): How to Recognize and Report Adverse Drug Reactions in India

MedBodh Drug Safety | Advance briefing published 31 October 2026

The World Health Organization is joining the global #MedSafetyWeek campaign from 2–8 November 2026, led by Uppsala Monitoring Centre. The 2026 message is to recognize possible medicine side effects and report them. Patients, caregivers, pharmacists, nurses and doctors all contribute to safer medicines through pharmacovigilance.

Why reporting matters

Medicines are evaluated before authorization, but rare, delayed or interaction-related reactions may become clearer only after widespread use. A suspected adverse drug reaction (ADR) report contributes to signal detection and assessment; it does not, by itself, prove that the medicine caused the event.

Recognizing a possible ADR

Consider the timing of symptoms after starting, stopping or changing a medicine, new over-the-counter products, herbal products or multiple concurrent drugs. Symptoms may include rash, gastrointestinal disturbance, unusual bleeding, severe dizziness, altered consciousness or unexpected laboratory abnormalities. Also consider alternative diagnoses and the underlying disease.

Red flags require treatment before paperwork

Suspected anaphylaxis, severe cutaneous reactions, major bleeding, respiratory compromise, shock or other serious illness require urgent assessment and emergency treatment according to clinical protocols. Do not delay lifesaving care to submit an ADR report. Do not advise patients to stop essential long-term medicines indiscriminately; clinical decisions should account for risk and urgency.

What to document

Patient initials or locally approved identifier, age and relevant clinical context.
Suspected drug names, strength, dose, route, start/stop dates and batch details if available.
Reaction onset, symptoms, severity, examination and relevant investigation results.
Concomitant drugs, allergies, comorbidities and plausible alternative causes.
Actions taken, outcome, dechallenge/rechallenge information when it occurred naturally and reporter contact.

How to report in India

The Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) at the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission accepts suspected ADR reports from health professionals and consumers. Official channels include ADR reporting forms, ADR monitoring centres and the ADR PvPI reporting system. IPC’s toll-free IVRS helpline is 1800-180-3024, listed as available Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM; outside these hours voicemail may be used. Check the official IPC website for the current reporting options.

Seven-day CHC implementation idea

Identify a pharmacovigilance contact person.
Display official reporting links at OPD, pharmacy and nursing stations.
Brief staff on serious ADR recognition and emergency escalation.
Review high-alert medicines and allergy documentation.
Encourage patients to report suspected side effects without fear.
Submit de-identified or appropriately protected reports through approved channels.
Review reporting barriers and corrective actions after the campaign.

What this campaign does not say

It does not imply that all side effects are dangerous or that a reported association confirms causation. It is not a new ban or recall announcement.

Primary references

Editorial note: This is a forthcoming campaign as of 31 October, not a report of completed 2–8 November activities.