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An alert was issued recently about Accu-Chek Aviva, Accu-Chek Performa, and Accu-Chek Inform II test strips – risk of strip error messages and false high and low blood glucose results. An alert was also issued recently about…
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Valproate medicines must no longer be used in women or girls of childbearing potential unless a Pregnancy Prevention Programme is in place. Ensure all women and girls (and their parent, caregiver, or responsible person, if n…
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An alert was issued about T34 ambulatory syringe pumps.
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Pharmacists should tell people about the risk of fire when they discuss head lice eradication options.
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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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Recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) treatment has been associated with very rare cases of life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necro…
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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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Further to our previous advice in 2016, Public Health England have updated their guidance about live vaccination of infants born to a mother who received immunosuppressive biological therapy during pregnancy.
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A letter was sent about injectable methylprednisolone products containing lactose (Solu-Medrone 40 mg); do not use in patients allergic to cow’s milk proteins.
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Solu-Medrone 40 mg may contain trace amounts of milk proteins. Do not use in patients with a known or suspected allergy to cows’ milk.
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Cases of sexual dysfunction, predominantly involving erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, have been reported rarely in patients taking oral isotretinoin for severe acne.
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Letters were sent in September about Dacogen (decitabine), Eperzan▼(albiglutide), ERWINASE, ReoPro (abciximab), and recombinant human erythropoietins.
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Letters were sent about INOmax (nitric oxide) cylinders and triptorelin (Decapeptyl).
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It is recommended that 2 adrenaline auto-injectors are prescribed, which patients should carry at all times.
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Letters were sent about ibrutinib, daclizumab, aflibercept, valproate medicines, and arsenic trioxide.
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Letters were sent about Arsenic Trioxide (Trisenox), Uptravi▼ (selexipag), DepoCyte (cytarabine), Cinryze▼ (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]), and Clexane (enoxaparin sodium).
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Systemic cardiovascular effects including bradycardia, hypotension, and dizziness have been reported after application. It is important to avoid application to irritated or damaged skin, including after laser therapy.
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We have received reports of depression and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts in men taking finasteride 1 mg (Propecia) for male pattern hair loss. Be aware that depression is also associated with finasteride 5 mg (Proscar).
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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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Babies born to mothers who take valproate medicines (Epilim▼, Depakote▼) during pregnancy have a 30–40% risk of developmental disability and a 10% risk of birth defects. Despite communications to prescribers in January 2015 …
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A summary of letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals.
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There is an increased risk that some patients may experience psychiatric symptoms with apremilast, including depression and suicidal thoughts. Stop treatment if patients have new psychiatric symptoms or if existing symptoms …
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A summary of letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals in December 2016.
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A summary of recent letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals, to inform them of updated safety information.
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Some patients may have exacerbation or rebound symptoms of rosacea. It is important to initiate treatment with a small amount of gel and increase the dose gradually, based on tolerability and treatment response.
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Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy have been reported in patients taking dimethyl fumarate for multiple sclerosis, who all had prolonged lymphopenia.
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The immunomodulatory effects of fingolimod increase the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and opportunistic infections.
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In March 2016, letters were sent regarding SGLT2 inhibitors, insulin lispro, natalizumab, noradrenaline, radium-223 dichloride, aflibercept and idelalisib.
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In February 2016, a letter was sent to healthcare professionals regarding medicines containing valproate.
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Children exposed to valproate in utero are at high risk of developmental disorders and congenital malformations. Use the new communication materials below to discuss these risks with patients
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In December 2015, a letter was sent to healthcare professionals regarding Reminyl (galantamine hydrobromide).
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Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are associated with very infrequent cases of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), a non-scarring dermatosis that can develop in sun-exposed areas.
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New monitoring instructions to detect these side effects as soon as possible.
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Possible increased risk of retinopathy with epoetin beta in premature infants calls for careful consideration of options for preventing anaemia of prematurity.
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Last month, letters were sent regarding ketoprofen gel, fingolimod (Gilenya▼) and efavirenz (Sustiva).
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The maximum adult daily dose of hydroxyzine is now 100 mg. Do not prescribe hydroxyzine to people with a prolonged QT interval or risk factors for QT interval prolongation.
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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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Check full blood counts before prescribing dimethyl fumarate and then every 6 to 12 months. Stop treatment immediately if you suspect progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
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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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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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If you suspect exfoliative dermatitis caused by an adverse drug reaction to ustekinumab, stop treatment.
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Measure serum immunoglobulin levels if recurrent infections develop. Consider bronchiectasis or pulmonary fibrosis if patients develop persistent respiratory symptoms.
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Warn patients and family, monitor patients for signs of depression
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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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We have received reports of Colobreathe (colistimethate sodium) capsules shattering when pierced by their inhaler device.
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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.