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We remind healthcare professionals that accidental use of glucose-containing solutions as flush fluid for arterial lines may contaminate blood samples and result in falsely high glucose readings. This may lead to inappropriate insulin administration and subsequent hypoglycaemia.…
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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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Do not use in children aged 16 years or less, except in specialist settings under expert medical supervision.
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A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals.
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A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals.
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To avoid the risk of air embolism, these products should not be infused under pressure.
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A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals.
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New recommendations are being introduced to minimise the risk of serious hypersensitivity reactions with ferumoxytol.
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…Alerts were issued about Epanutin (phenytoin) oral solution, Macopharma intravenous infusion bags, and Co-amoxiclav (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid).…
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Letters were sent about alemtuzumab (Lemtrada), Selenase (sodium selenite pentahydrate), and Erelzi▼ (etanercept).
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Use has been restricted to 48 hours’ maximum parenteral use under specialist supervision, after a European safety review.
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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Letters were sent about Insuman insulin products, mecasermin, and valproate medicines. Recalls were issued about ranitidine medicines and Paclitaxel.
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Patients who use products that contain maltose, xylose, or galactose should use glucose-specific monitors.
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Severe infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions have occurred in patients receiving temsirolimus.
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Serious and fatal infusion reactions have occurred with ofatumumab and other anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. We remind you to always give premedication before each ofatumumab infusion. If a severe reaction occurs, interrupt ofatumumab infusion and treat the reaction.
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Updated advice for healthcare professionals not to mix or infuse ceftriaxone with solutions containing calcium.
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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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New reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis) in patients receiving panitumumab, some of which were fatal.
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The authorisation holder for dapagliflozin has withdrawn the indication for type 1 diabetes mellitus. The removal of the type 1 diabetes indication is not due to any new safety concerns and the other indications of dapaglifl…
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…Patients offered alemtuzumab should be alerted to the early risks of cardiovascular events and thrombocytopenia around the time of infusion and to the delayed risk of immune-mediated reactions.…
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The solvent used in the preparation of Rifadin infusion has been reformulated. As a result, it can only be diluted with either dextrose 5% solution or sodium chloride 0·9% solution
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Alerts were issued about FreeStyle Libre flash glucose sensors and Arjo Minstrel passive floor lifts (portable hoist).
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Risk of accidental overdose, particularly in infants and neonates.
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Monitor glucose levels closely in patients with diabetes during direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C, particularly within the first 3 months of treatment, and modify diabetes medication or doses when necessary.…
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…GLP-1 receptor agonists are not substitutes for insulin, and any reduction of insulin should be done in a stepwise manner with careful glucose self-monitoring.…
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.
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Make a clear distinction between liposomal, pegylated-liposomal, lipid-complex and conventional formulations when prescribing, dispensing, administering, and communicating about these medicines. Medicines with these formulat…
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Canagliflozin may increase the risk of lower-limb amputation (mainly toes) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Evidence does not show an increased risk for dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, but the risk may be a class effect. P…
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Test for raised ketones in patients with acidosis symptoms, even if plasma glucose levels are near-normal.
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SGLT2 inhibitor treatment should be interrupted in patients who are hospitalised for major surgical procedures or acute serious medical illnesses and ketone levels measured, preferably in blood rather than urine. Treatment m…
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…We also remind you of an alert about Accu-Chek blood glucose test strips.
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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 Infinity Acute Care System and M540 Patient Monitors.
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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While an urgent EU safety review evaluates reports of serious cardiovascular events and immune-mediated reactions, including autoimmune hepatitis, the use of alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) has been restricted and strengthened requir…
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Zoledronic acid is associated with reports of renal impairment and renal failure, especially in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction or other risk factors. Renal function should be measured before each dose, and pati…
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Statin use may be associated with a level of hyperglycaemia in some patients where formal diabetes care is appropriate.
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Incorrect dosage of bivalirudin in percutaneous coronary intervention can lead to major adverse cardiac events.
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New simplified guidance on treating paracetamol overdose with intravenous acetylcysteine including an updated treatment nomogram.
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Letters were sent about daclizumab beta (Zinbryta▼), alteplase (Actilyse), Esmya (ulipristal acetate), and Xofigo▼ (radium-223-dichloride). MHRA issued alerts and recalls for batches of Nutriflex Omega Special 2500 ml and Nu…
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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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It is essential that the entire contents of the solvent vial is added to the concentrate vial to produce a concentrate-solvent mixture with the intended concentration of 10 mg/mL cabazitaxel.
It is essential that the enti…
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.
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If thin, translucent or white-to-yellow proteinaceous strands (1–2 mm in length) are visible, filtration is advised.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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Infusion reactions and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported commonly during treatment with Avastin.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.
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A summary of letters and recent medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals.