Blood products

Report suspected side effects and safety concerns related to blood products (which are considered medicines) to the Yellow Card scheme. 

What is a blood product?

A blood product is a medicinal product manufactured from human blood or plasma. Examples of Blood products are albumin; coagulation factors, such as Factors I to XIII; Anti D and immunoglobulins. 

Side effects and adverse reactions from blood products

A side effect is an unexpected effect that happens in addition to the main intended effect (of the blood product). An adverse reaction is when the resulting effect causes harm (this can be both physical and mental). 

There will be common side effects to you receiving the blood product, which your doctor or a healthcare professional will be able to advise on. 

Safety concerns related to blood components

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) also regulates blood components, such as red blood cells, platelets, and fresh frozen plasma. 

Healthcare professionals can report side effects of blood components through the Serious Adverse Blood Reactions and Events (SABRE) platform. Healthcare professionals are legally required to report blood and blood component serious adverse events (SAEs) and serious adverse reactions (SARs) to the MHRA. 

For more information on SABRE, see guidance.

Why report side effects to the Yellow Card scheme?

Everyone has a different genetic makeup and therefore it is very difficult to predict whether an individual will experience a side effect. Whether you are a healthcare professional or a member of the public, you can help others by reporting side effects which you or your patients experience to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Reports help us gain a better understanding of medicine interactions and safeguard patients through vigilant monitoring.

Find out more about the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, including how to report.