Parents in Wales are the most likely to report that a child has suffered side-effects from a medicine, according to figures published yesterday.
In contrast parents in London are the least likely to report problems to a doctor or a pharmacist.
The figures come from a survey conducted as part of a new drive to encourage parents to tell someone if a child suffers side-effects.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says that barely 5% of serious side-effects affecting children are reported – and no more than 2% of non-serious side-effects.
The survey found that 88% of Welsh parents claimed they would report a side-effect affecting a child to the doctor – while just 69% of parents in London said they would do this.
But 14% of parents in London said they would use the Yellow Card reporting scheme – compared with 9% nationally.
Dr Hilary Cass, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: "Not all medication is perfectly suited to every child, even if they have the same medical condition or complaint.
"So for children to get quality and effective medication that’s right for them, it’s important that healthcare professionals work with families to report all side effects, no matter how big or small."
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