It is common for patients to raise questions about medication safety, as they may experience adverse reactions after taking certain medications. This could be due to various factors, such as their individual physical conditions or underlying diseases. In cases where an adverse drug reaction leads to mortality, disability, or severe health conditions, it is then referred to as “Drug Injury,” as defined by the Drug Injury Relief Act. In such cases, patients are eligible to apply for drug relief.

However, drugs imported through special projects to address drug shortages or severe public health issues, such as specially imported drugs for treating latent tuberculosis infection or tuberculosis, antiviral drugs for infants and young children, and antiviral drugs for M-cell vaccinia, were not covered by the Drug Injury Relief Act. In order to better protect patients’ rights, the government decided to include these specially imported drugs within the scope of the Drug Injury Relief Act. Patients affected by drug injury events could apply for compensation within three years of becoming aware of the injury.

Nevertheless, before applying for drug injury relief, the public must verify whether they meet the criteria for application. If the adverse reaction is expected and common, i.e., with an occurrence rate of ≥1%, then it does not qualify for drug injury relief.

Furthermore, it is essential that the medication has been taken according to the instructions given by the healthcare professional or as stated on the product label. Failing to follow medication instructions or using drugs prescribed to others is considered inappropriate use of the medication and will result in the rejection of the application.

What’s more, the application for drug injury relief is restricted to drugs approved and licensed by the MOHW or imported through special projects. It does not apply to injuries caused by drugs that are personally purchased or imported, such as drugs touted on radio programs.

As for injuries caused by vaccines, an application for compensation should be filed with the local health competent authority where the vaccine was administered, rather than applying to the Drug Injury Relief Fund.

Accepted applications will be forwarded to the Drug Injury Relief Committee of the MOHW for assessment. The Committee will decide whether the applicants are eligible for compensation and determine the amount of compensation. The public can consult healthcare professionals or the Drug Injury Relief Fund for more information.

【2026-10-01 / United Daily】