News FAMHP

Following several cases of overdose among teenagers in Belgium, linked to a challenge circulating on social media, the FAMHP reminds everyone that excessive consumption of paracetamol can have serious effects on health.

Oral methotrexate can cause serious side effects in the event of overdose. Despite the measures put in place, cases of accidental overdose continue to be reported. Most cases result from taking the medicine too often compared to the prescription. For the treatment of inflammatory diseases, oral methotrexate should only be taken once a week, always on the same day.

Medication errors are a major public health problem, particularly among the elderly. Complex treatments, polypharmacy and age-related changes increase the risks. Better prevention and appropriate support are essential to ensure that medicines are used safely and effectively.

The FPS Public Health and the FAMHP invite you to participate in the public consultation on a clinical trial of the genetically modified medicine SGT-003 for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The public consultation will take place from 28 January to 27 February 2026.

On 10 March 2026, the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products is organising a study day on in-house developed medical software for healthcare institutions. For this event, the FAMHP receives support from both the FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment and the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance

As part of the JAMS 2.0 project, 30 joint inspections of medical device manufacturers were conducted within the European Union in 2024 and 2025. These inspections, coordinated by the FAMHP, aim to strengthen market surveillance at EU level and harmonise the operation of inspections.

The European Medicines Agency publishes the second European Sales and Use of Antimicrobials for Veterinary Medicine report and launches a new platform to improve monitoring of data on the use of antimicrobials in animals. The report shows a slight increase in antimicrobial sales, an increase of 5 % in 2024 compared to 2023.

The European press has published information about a Danish sperm donor who carries a rare genetic mutation (TP53). Many European countries have been affected by this. In Belgium, this case has received extensive media coverage since May 2025, and several parliamentary hearings have taken place in which the FAGG responded to questions from federal parliamentarians.

The FAMHP is looking for GPs and gynaecologists willing to take part in a survey on educational material designed to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events associated with combined hormonal contraceptives.

From 11 December 2025, a new Royal Decree will come in force that fundamentally changes the rules on parallel distribution and parallel import of medicinal products for human use in Belgium. The decree simplifies administrative steps and provides more transparency.