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Alerts were recently issued about Accu-Chek insulin pumps, Astral lung ventilators, and IntelliVue patient monitors used with 12-lead ECG.
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Letters were sent about INOmax (nitric oxide) cylinders and triptorelin (Decapeptyl).
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An alert was recently issued about Prismaflex haemofiltration machines.
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Alerts were recently issued about high concentration oxygen masks, metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacements, and BVM (Bag-Valve-Mask) manual resuscitation systems.
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A summary of letters sent to healthcare professionals, including an important reminder about the withdrawal of retigabine (Trobalt) from the market.
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The authorised dose regimen for N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in paracetamol overdose is 3 consecutive bags given intravenously over 21 hours. Prescribing information is being updated to advise that continued treatment with NAC may…
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Coadministration of a corticosteroid with an HIV-treatment-boosting agent may increase the risk of adrenal suppression due to a pharmacokinetic interaction.
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Prescribing information has been updated to introduce a lower recommended dose of 60 mg daily for patients with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
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A summary of letters sent to healthcare professionals in September 2016, including important information for professionals who specialise in epilepsy treatment regarding the withdrawal from the market of retigabine (Trobalt).
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Following an EU wide review of meprobamate, the remaining licence holder in the UK has ceased manufacturing and the licence will be cancelled by the end of 2016.
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EU review confirms that the cardiovascular risk of high-dose ibuprofen (≥2400mg/day) is similar to COX 2 inhibitors and diclofenac.
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Do not use codeine in children under 12 as it is associated with a risk of respiratory side effects. Codeine is not recommended for adolescents (12 to 18) who have problems with breathing.
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The new module helps clinicians understand how to identify, manage and avoid side effects when using corticosteroids.
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While this defect is still being investigated, we remind you to always have a full spare cylinder loaded on the delivery device so the cylinders can be switched without delay.
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We remind you that a new offence will be enforced from 2 March 2015 in England and Wales. Talk to patients who are on medicines with potential to impair driving and discuss the patient leaflet advice.
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Since November 2014, letters were sent regarding vismodegib (Erivedge ▼), chlorhexidine solutions, carbocisteine oral liquid (Mucodyne Paediatric 125mg/5ml), regadenoson (Rapiscan), a parenteral nutrition emulsion (Trio…
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Oral diclofenac is associated with a small increased risk of cardiovascular side effects and is therefore no longer available over the counter.
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Aceclofenac is now contraindicated in patients with certain established cardiovascular diseases.
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To be used only in patients with acute blood loss and when crystalloids alone are not sufficient.
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Do not use in closed body cavities or on deep or large wounds.
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A European review has considered MHRA evidence together with additional information from spontaneous reporting and published literature.
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The new offence introduced in July does not apply in Northern Ireland nor replace any existing offences of driving.
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The Department for Transport has introduced a new offence of driving with certain controlled drugs above specified limits in the blood; this is likely to come into force on 2 March 2015.
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We remind you to provide clear information to patients and caregivers regarding risk of accidental patch transfer and ingestion of patches, and need for appropriate disposal of patches.
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Use a filter needle when drawing up reconstituted dantrolene solution.
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New clinical trial information is available on the timing of the loading dose of prasugrel when used in patients with unstable angina or non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.
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Cases of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery have been reported in patients taking the atypical antipsychotics risperidone or paliperidone.
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Public consultation launched on the continued availability of oral diclofenac as a pharmacy (P) medicine and on risk-minimisation measures advised by the Commission on Human Medicines.
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Restricted dose and duration of use.
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All products to be named and prescribed as caffeine citrate.
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New advice on dilution and administration in patients age 65 years or older refers only to the indication for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
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Codeine should only be used to relieve acute moderate pain in children older than 12 years and only if it cannot be relieved by other painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone.
Furthermore, a significant risk of se…
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New specific guidance on dose-dependent prolongation of QTc with ondansetron.
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Clinical trials have reported an increased risk of renal dysfunction and mortality in critically ill or septic patients who received hydroxyethyl starch (HES) compared with crystalloids.
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New recommendations after a Europe-wide review of cardiovascular safety.
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Risk of thrombosis and haemorrhage in patients with prosthetic heart valve(s) requiring anti-coagulant treatment.
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Updated guidance on minimising risk of life-threatening and fatal air embolism.
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Safety review initiated following post-surgical fatalities in ultra-rapid metabolisers
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Risk of serious skin-related adverse drug reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, occurring with carbamazepine may be increased in the presence of the HLA-A*3101 allele in patients of European descent or Japanese orig…
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Further evidence that the cardiovascular risk with diclofenac is higher than other non-selective NSAIDs and similar to the selective COX-2 inhibitors.
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Do not use in children aged 16 years or less, except in specialist settings under expert medical supervision.
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New simplified guidance on treating paracetamol overdose with intravenous acetylcysteine including an updated treatment nomogram.
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New maximum single intravenous dose of ondansetron for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) restricted due to risk of QTc prolongation.
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False blood glucose readings when used to flush arterial lines leading to incorrect insulin administration and potentially fatal hypoglycaemia.
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Reminder that paediatric paracetamol liquids had been developed to ensure children receive optimum dosing for their age.
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Supporting safer use
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Updated dosing for paediatric paracetamol liquids has been developed to ensure children receive the optimum dose for their age.
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(Dextro)propoxyphene can have serious effects on the electrical activity of the heart (resulting in prolongation of the P-R and Q-T intervals, and widened QRS complexes), even at normal therapeutic doses.
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European Medicines Agency says further measures should be put in place to minimise the risk of adverse skin reactions.