MHRA Alert – Yellow Card Biobank study on genetic links to DOAC and allopurinol side effects

Yellow Card Biobank: Contributing to pharmacogenetic research

The MHRA is inviting healthcare professionals and patients to contribute to an important research initiative exploring the genetic basis of side effects associated with two commonly prescribed medication classes.

What is the Yellow Card Biobank?

The Yellow Card Biobank is a collaborative study designed to investigate whether genetic factors influence the risk and severity of adverse effects from:

• Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) – used in stroke prevention and thromboembolism management
• Allopurinol – used in gout and hyperuricaemia management

Why this matters

Understanding the genetic basis of medication side effects could help clinicians identify patients at higher risk of adverse reactions, enabling more personalised prescribing decisions and improved patient safety.

Who can participate?

The study welcomes contributions from both healthcare professionals reporting adverse effects and patients who have experienced side effects from these medications. Participation involves providing a genetic sample alongside Yellow Card reports.

What you should do

If you have patients or personal experience with side effects from DOACs or allopurinol, consider supporting this research by contributing to the Yellow Card Biobank. Full details on how to participate are available via the MHRA link below.

For the complete guidance and participation details, visit the MHRA Yellow Card Biobank alert.