Most Australians have never heard of this medicine-safety program

A symbol meant to enhance medication safety in Australia is failing to achieve its goal due to widespread lack of awareness. The small black triangle, appearing on pamphlets for new and repurposed medications since 2018, is intended to prompt patients to report any side effects. However, a recent study published in The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reveals that most Australians are unaware of its existence or meaning.

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Almost no-one knows it exists.

Lead researcher Eyob Gebreyohannes from the University of Adelaide stated that the symbol is "too small, too buried in the leaflet, and never explained." His team found that only about half of surveyed healthcare professionals and just one in 10 consumers recognized the symbol. This low awareness means the scheme, based on similar programs in Europe and the UK, is not effectively encouraging the reporting of potential adverse drug events.

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Most [participants] told us it's too small, too buried in the leaflet, and never explained to them.

Practicing GP Rowena Ivers, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of every report, noting that side effects can take years to emerge, especially rare ones. She believes clear communication from pharmacists and GPs is crucial. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which launched the scheme, stated that consumer and clinician reports help build a complete safety profile for medications. Researchers, however, argue that the current design and placement of the black triangle make it easily missed, with many mistaking it for a simple dot point. They suggest overhauling the scheme with clearer labels and targeted training to ensure its intended purpose is met.

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Even if it seems very minor it's important to report that, because it protects other people and it means that [the TGA] can gather data, look at it over time and see patterns emerging.