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An alert was issued about T34 ambulatory syringe pumps.
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Letters were sent about ellaOne, ERWINASE, Eperzan▼, Ocaliva▼, Velcade, Esmya, and Bleo-Kyowa.
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Alerts were recently issued about RUSCH rectal/pharyngeal temperature sensors and Aquilon nebulisers.
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Letters were sent about Buccolam (midazolam), misoprostol vaginal delivery system (Mysodelle), noradrenaline, Relenza (zanamivir), mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid, Flolan, and Fludara.
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Alerts were recently issued by MHRA about all Philips HeartStart MRx monitors/defibrillators and Boston Scientific pacemakers and CRT-P.
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Previously co-dydramol (dihydrocodeine/paracetamol) was available only in the ratio 1:50 (co-dydramol 10/500 mg). Two products are now available with a higher strength of dihydrocodeine (co-dydramol 20/500 mg and 30/500 mg t…
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Alerts were recently issued about BD Alaris/Asena syringe pumps and Maxter Catheters nasogastric (NG) feeding tubes.
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Some batches of gentamicin sulphate active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) used to manufacture gentamicin may contain higher than expected levels of histamine, which is a residual from the manufacturing process. Monitor pati…
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Quinine has dose-dependent QT-interval-prolonging effects and should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation or in those with atrioventricular block.
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Gabapentin has been associated with a rare risk of severe respiratory depression even without concomitant opioid medicines. Patients with compromised respiratory function, respiratory or neurological disease, renal impairmen…
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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 (Triomel),…
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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…