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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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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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Risk of tuberculosis - screen all patients before starting treatment and monitor them closely.
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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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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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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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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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Care must be taken with dosing as the 2 products are not equivalent.
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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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Care needed when transferring from unlicensed formulations.
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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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Should not be used for cough under 18 years
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Aluminium can be leached from glass after contact with calcium gluconate solution, leading to a risk of exposure to aluminium. Accumulation of aluminium might have adverse effects on bone mineralisation and neurological deve…
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Risk of accidental overdose, particularly in infants and neonates.
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Epidemiological data suggest that the use of SSRIs in pregnancy, particularly in the later stages, may increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to enquire…
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Recent epidemiological evidence suggests a possible small increased risk of congenital cardiac defects in association with fluoxetine in early pregnancy, similar to that seen with paroxetine. There are insufficient data to d…
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received 35 reports of chondrolysis involving patients given continuous intra-articular infusions of local anaesthetics.
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The design and content of the Patient Information Leaflets for methylphenidate products are being updated with the latest guidance on safe and effective use for patients and carers
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If new movement disorders occur during treatment consider dose reduction or a gradual discontinuation of treatment in consultation with specialist advice.
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Updated advice for healthcare professionals not to mix or infuse ceftriaxone with solutions containing calcium.
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Patients with existing meningioma or a history of meningioma must not be prescribed high-dose (≥25 mg per day) cyproterone acetate.
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Use of has led to serious paracetamol overdose in a 6-month-old infant.
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Topical oral salicylate gels are no longer indicated for people younger than 16 years for pain associated with infant teething, orthodontic devices, cold sores, or mouth ulcers.
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Continued monitoring of medicines with a black triangle status.
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These medicines are not first-line options for insomnia.
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Advice on how to use cough and cold medicines safely for children under 12 years.
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Updated guidance to use methylphenidateto safely and effectively for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children of 6 years or older and adolescents.
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Atomoxetine is associated with treatment-emergent psychotic or manic symptoms in children and adolescents - consider stopping this if symptoms occur.
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Toxic effects can occur with nitrous oxide especially with prolonged use.
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Updated guidance on the supply and administration of Botox, Vistabel, Dysport, and other injectable medicines used in cosmetic procedures.
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Breastfed babies might very rarely develop side-effects due to the presence of morphine in breast milk.
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To avoid the risk of air embolism, these products should not be infused under pressure.
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Healthcare professionals should advise patients who need re-vaccination with Pneumovax II to expect a more intense reaction than after their first vaccination.
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Risk of early psychiatric side-effects is one of several important safety issues for healthcare professionals to discuss with patients and carers, who should seek urgent medical advice in the event of any worrying symptoms.
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Isotretinoin should only be prescribed by consultant dermatologist-led teams and dispensed only by a hospital pharmacy.