My cosentyx story

[Fred]

Hello again, yes my GP has reported my symptoms to the drug company, nor art is, we have to because he says it's a " black triangle drug" ( I have no idea what that means ) but I have to report all symptoms and side eff cts on the yellow card scheme because so little is still known about the effects, with it being fairly new.     

Yes the "Black Triangle" means it's a new treatment and although it has passed the regulations they want people to report any adverse effects. It lasts for 5 years and the drug is then reviewed. So patients input no matter how small helps them decide if the treatment should be continued or modified.

No matter how many checks and tests they do on new drugs before release it's not till they become widely used that they find out more about side effects. They will look at the data and see how many people have reported the same problem.

I don't know the figures involved but let's say you are the only person reporting the problem the they can probably be assured that it is not related, however if a 100 report the same problem then they know it something that needs looking at. From there they will decide on the future of the treatment and probably do more tests or ask other users for feedback.

All treatments (even natural) have risks, but the Black Triangle is making sure that you the patient can give your feedback and shape the future of new treatments.

*I think the system was put in place after the thalidomide problems.