Credit: SanteSecu.lu
Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health and Social Security has announced that from Monday 2 to Sunday 8 November 2026, Luxembourg will take part in the international #MedSafetyWeek campaign under the slogan “Side effects: don't ignore them, report them”.
On this occasion, the Ministry of Health and Social Security said it is highlighting its fully digitalised procedure for reporting adverse drug reactions, which is available via MyGuichet.lu.
Recognising and reporting an adverse drug reaction
Medicines improve and save lives, but they can sometimes cause adverse reactions. Some occur quickly, while others develop more gradually, in certain cases after prolonged use. They may be clearly noticeable or remain “silent” and only be detected during more extensive medical examinations. These reactions may occur more frequently at the beginning of treatment, when the dosage is changed or when a medicine is taken in combination with other medicines, certain foods or herbal products.
Reading the patient information leaflet and discussing any concerns with a healthcare professional can help identify these reactions. Any suspected reaction linked to a medicine should be reported, even when it is uncertain whether the medicine is actually responsible. Reporting is particularly important when a reaction disrupts everyday life or is serious, regardless of whether it is mentioned in the patient information leaflet.
“Reports from patients and healthcare professionals play an essential role in monitoring the safety of medicines. Every report helps us better understand potential risks and contributes to better protecting all patients, both today and in the future,” said Martine Deprez, Luxembourg’s Minister of Health and Social Security.
An accessible procedure to improve treatment safety
In Luxembourg, adverse drug reactions can be reported online through a MyGuichet.lu procedure offering two forms: one for patients and another for healthcare professionals.
This procedure makes it easier to submit information to the Pharmacovigilance Service of the Pharmacy and Medicines Division of the Health Directorate. Every report helps improve understanding of adverse reactions and identify previously unknown risks, thereby protecting patients.
If patients experience symptoms or have concerns about a treatment, they are encouraged to seek advice from their doctor or pharmacist. Reporting an adverse reaction does not replace professional medical advice or a medical consultation.
A worldwide campaign promoted in Luxembourg
Coordinated by the Uppsala Monitoring Centre, #MedSafetyWeek 2026 will be the largest edition organised to date. More than 130 organisations in over 120 countries will promote its messages in more than 60 languages. The Uppsala Monitoring Centre is a World Health Organization (WHO) collaborating centre specialising in pharmacovigilance.
In Luxembourg, communication materials will be made available to patients and healthcare professionals in medical practices, pharmacies and hospitals.
Further information
Reporting adverse drug reactions: MyGuichet.lu – Adverse drug reaction reporting
WHO Uppsala Monitoring Centre: who-umc.org/medsafetyweek
