6 minute read
Reporting Side Effects in the EU: A Patient's Guide
Report medication side effects in the EU and contribute to patient safety. Learn how to report to national agencies or your doctor. Understand the importance of your role in pharmacovigilance and how Hi-Doctor.
DIRECT ANSWER
An online consultation lets an EU-licensed doctor review your case and, if appropriate, issue an electronic prescription; each pharmacy decides whether it can dispense it.
Doctor reply in under 2 hours
Average doctor reply under 2 hours; at night and on public holidays it can take longer, always within 24 hours. A prescription only if appropriate.
EU-licensed doctors
Every case is reviewed by an EU-licensed doctor.
Electronic prescription
Each pharmacy decides whether it can dispense an approved prescription; some do not accept PDF prescriptions.
Experiencing side effects from medication can be concerning. This guide explains how to report them in the EU and how Hi Doctor prioritizes your safety when you seek a medication prescription online. With Hi Doctor, you can get a medication prescription from an EU-licensed doctor in under 24 hours for just €25, valid at any EU pharmacy. If the doctor determines the treatment is not appropriate, you get your money back – no risk.
How it works – get your medication prescription in 4 steps
- Fill the online medical questionnaire: It takes 2–3 minutes. Then, pay the €25 consultation fee.
- A licensed EU doctor reviews your case: Your case is reviewed privately. If the doctor determines the treatment is NOT appropriate for you, your €25 fee is refunded automatically – you pay nothing.
- Receive your electronic prescription: If approved, you get a valid electronic prescription (PDF file) in your Hi-Doctor account and by email within 24 hours.
- Collect your medication at any EU pharmacy: Print the PDF or show it on your phone. Present it at any pharmacy in the EU (Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, etc.) to collect your medication.
Who qualifies for the medication
Our EU-licensed doctors individually review your case to ensure the medication is safe and appropriate for you. They assess your medical history, current health status, and any contraindications. For GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide, doctors typically look for a specific BMI range (e.g., BMI ≥30 kg/m² or BMI ≥27 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities) and an absence of certain conditions like a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
What the medication actually does (and doesn't do)
Medications like GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking a natural hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation. This helps you feel fuller, reduces hunger, and can lead to lower calorie intake and weight loss. It's important to understand that these medications are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive program that includes diet and exercise. They are not a 'magic bullet' and do not guarantee specific weight loss results without lifestyle changes. Realistic timelines for noticeable effects vary by individual but typically involve several weeks to months of consistent use.
Don't see your condition on Hi-Doctor yet?
Hi-Doctor is continuously onboarding EU-licensed specialists across new conditions. Register your interest and we'll notify you the moment a doctor is available for your case. In the meantime, see how the service works: €25 online consultation, reply within 24 h, full refund if the doctor decides the treatment isn't appropriate.
Side effects and when to stop
As with any medication, side effects can occur. Common side effects for GLP-1 agonists often include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation, especially when first starting treatment or increasing the dose. These are usually mild and temporary. More serious, but rare, side effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, or severe allergic reactions. You should stop the medication and seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or signs of a serious allergic reaction like swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing. Always discuss any concerning symptoms with your doctor.
Why Hi-Doctor vs. walking into a clinic
Choosing Hi Doctor offers significant advantages over traditional in-person clinic visits:
- Speed: Receive your valid electronic prescription in under 24 hours, compared to weeks of waiting for a clinic appointment.
- Price: A flat €25 online consultation fee – transparent and affordable, with a money-back guarantee if treatment is not appropriate. Private clinic fees can vary widely.
- Privacy: All interactions happen within your secure, RGPD-compliant Hi-Doctor account. No waiting rooms, no reception desks, complete discretion.
- Convenience: Access an EU-licensed doctor from anywhere, anytime, using your phone or computer. Avoid travel and time off work.
- Trust: Join over 50,000 satisfied patients. We hold a 4.8 Trustpilot rating, reflecting our commitment to quality care and patient satisfaction.
Your interest guides which specialists we add next.
If your treatment isn't yet among Hi-Doctor's covered specialties, register at hi-doctor.ai so a doctor can notify you the moment we can handle your case. Our EU-licensed doctors issue electronic prescriptions as a PDF valid at any EU pharmacy, and if the doctor decides the treatment isn't appropriate, the €25 consultation fee is refunded automatically.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
If the EU-licensed doctor determines the treatment is not appropriate for you, the €25 consultation fee is refunded automatically. You pay nothing if the treatment isn't approved.
