What information can I find in the product information documents?
Patients and healthcare professionals can use the documents in our medicines database to understand how to use a medicine.
Patient information leaflet
Every medicine pack includes a patient information leaflet (PIL). It describes what a medicine is for, how to use it safely and possible side effects.
Summary of product characteristics
The summary of product characteristics (SmPC) is for healthcare professionals. It helps them to prescribe and dispense a medicine. It describes what the medicine is used for, how to take it, possible side effects, who should avoid it, and special precautions to be aware of.
Public assessment reports
The HPRA provides a summary called a public assessment report (PAR) that explains how the HPRA checked a medicine's safety, quality and effectiveness before approving it for use.
Educational materials
Educational materials (EdM) offer extra information about using a medicine safely. Educational materials are available when it is especially important to understand risks of taking a medicine. They help patients and healthcare professionals manage those risks.