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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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An alert was recently issued about Prismaflex haemofiltration machines.
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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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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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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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A summary of letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals in January 2017.
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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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A summary of letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals in December 2016.
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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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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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Medicines or herbal remedies that induce CYP3A4 enzymes reduce blood levels of levonorgestrel, which may reduce emergency contraceptive efficacy.
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There have been rare reports of Nexplanon implants having reached the lung via the pulmonary artery. An implant that cannot be palpated at its insertion site in the arm should be located as soon as possible and removed at th…
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In May 2016, letters were sent regarding Nexplanon (etonogestrel implant) and ERWINASE.
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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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Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems should always be prescribed by brand name because products have different indications, durations of use, and introducers.
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Mycophenolate mofetil and its active metabolite mycophenolic acid are associated with a high rate of serious birth defects and increased risk of spontaneous abortion.
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In November, letters were sent regarding thalidomide, mycophenolate mofetil, nicorandil, InductOs, and dimethyl fumarate
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Mirabegron is now contraindicated in patients with severe uncontrolled hypertension; advice about regular monitoring is being introduced because of cases of severe hypertension.
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A letter was sent to healthcare professionals about mirabegron for symptomatic treatment of urgency, increased
micturition frequency, or urgency incontinence.
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Patient reminder cards about the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw are being introduced; denosumab 120 mg is now contraindicated in patients with unhealed lesions from dental or oral surgery.
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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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The most important risk factors for uterine perforation are insertion during lactation and insertion in the 36 weeks after giving birth. Before inserting an IUS or IUD, inform women of the risk and the symptoms of perforatio…
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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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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 licence-holder of ferumoxytol has voluntarily withdrawn it from the UK market for commercial reasons.
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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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Children exposed in utero to valproate are at a high risk of serious developmental disorders (in up to 30-40% of cases) and/or congenital malformations (in approximately 10% of cases).
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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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We have received reports of Colobreathe (colistimethate sodium) capsules shattering when pierced by their inhaler device.
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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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Minimising the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw; monitoring for hypocalcaemia.
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New recommendations are being introduced to minimise the risk of serious hypersensitivity reactions with ferumoxytol.
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Emergency contraceptives remain suitable for all women regardless of the woman’s weight or body mass index (BMI).
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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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After every use, an ambulance should be called even if symptoms are improving, the individual should lie down with legs raised and, if at all possible, should not be left alone.
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Reporting suspected adverse reactions experienced by the woman or child associated with medicines taken during pregnancy.
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Risk of tuberculosis - screen all patients before starting treatment and monitor them closely.
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Non-hormonal or progestogen-only contraception should be considered in some situations.