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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.
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Risk of accidental overdose, particularly in infants and neonates.
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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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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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The tighter controls being introduced to minimise risk of overuse and or addiction of painkillers containing codeine or dihydrocodeine.
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Use of has led to serious paracetamol overdose in a 6-month-old infant.
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A reminder for those who use topical ketoprofen to avoid direct sunlight, ultraviolet rays, sunbeds or sunlamps.
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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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You should take caution when you use NSAIDs in patients with renal impairment or are at risk.
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Toxic effects can occur with nitrous oxide especially with prolonged use.
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MHRA has received reports of unintentional overdose of fentanyl due to dosing errors, accidental exposure, and exposure of the patch to a heat source.
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Do not prescribe etoricoxib to patients whose blood pressure is persistently above 140/90 mmHg and inadequately controlled.
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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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Marketing authorisations for carisoprodol are to be suspended after a European review concluded that the risks of treatment outweigh the benefits.
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Patients should use the lowest effective dose, and the shortest duration of treatment necessary to control symptoms.
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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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Co-proxamol's phased withdrawal period lasts until the end of 2007 to enable patients to move to suitable alternatives.
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MHRA continues to identify cases of herbal medicines, particularly traditional Chinese medicines, which contain illegal and toxic Aristolochia or aristolochic acids.
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To avoid the risk of air embolism, these products should not be infused under pressure.
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Systemic piroxicam should be initiated only by specialists as a second-line treatment for arthritis, with patients who currently take piroxicam reassessed at a routine appointment.
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Prescribing advice should be followed carefully, particularly recommended upper dose limits due to associated higher gastrointestinal risk than most other NSAIDs in the class.
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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.