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Reminder on risk of serious and fatal toxicity in overdose.
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Patients with active infection with this virus should not be treated with ofatumumab.
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Risk of intraocular lens opacification.
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If constipation occurs during treatment with clozapine (Clozaril, Denzapine, Zaponex), it is vital that it is recognised and actively treated.
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Linezolid is not active against infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens, and treatment should be started only after specialist microbiological advice.
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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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Healthcare professionals should be aware of alerts and letters issued about adrenaline auto-injectors in September and October 2019. This article provides a summary of recent advice issued to healthcare professionals, includ…
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Risk of tuberculosis - screen all patients before starting treatment and monitor them closely.
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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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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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Risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) associated with natalizumab is increased in patients who have had previous immunosuppressant therapy.
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Consider progressive multifocal encephalopathy (PML) in the differential diagnosis for patients with new or worsening neurological signs or symptoms, even several years after treatment with cladribine.
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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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Recall will begin in September 2011 to allow sufficient time for patients to be switched to suitable alternatives.
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Flucytosine is a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil used to treat systemic yeast and fungal infections and can cause life-threatening and severe toxicity in patients with complete and partial dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) def…
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Where possible, use an appropriate alternative therapy for patients at increased risk of thrombosis.
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Risk of serious haemorrhage—clarified contraindications apply to all 3 medicines.
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If you suspect exfoliative dermatitis caused by an adverse drug reaction to ustekinumab, stop treatment.
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Emerade 300 and 500 microgram adrenaline auto-injectors have been re-supplied to the market following the implementation of corrective actions – patients and their caregivers should be provided with training and advice speci…
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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Letters were issued about parenteral nutrition products, ranibizumab, ingenol mebutate gel, adrenaline auto-injectors, and fingolimod. Recall alerts were recently issued about ranitidine, aripiprazole, and bisacodyl.
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There have been reports of rejection of solid organ transplants in patients treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab. Ipilimumab (Yervoy▼) may also interfere with immunosuppressive therapy, increasing the risk of graft reject…
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Continued monitoring of medicines with a black triangle status.
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The non-identical nature of biological medicines and vaccines means it is very important that safety surveillance is carried out on a brand/product-specific basis.
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The risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) with natalizumab increases after 2 years of therapy. Patients with multiple sclerosis should be informed of the risk before treatment, and again after 2…
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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Tofacitinib should not be used in patients older than 65 years of age, people who are current or past smokers, or individuals with other cardiovascular (such as diabetes or coronary artery disease) or malignancy risk factors…
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Patients should be tested for hepatitis B virus before starting treatment with BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
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Reports of acquired haemophilia have been received in association with clopidogrel.
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Fingolimod is associated with an increased risk of major congenital malformations including cardiac, renal, and musculoskeletal defects, when used in pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraceptio…
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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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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 patients for signs of histamine-related adverse reactions.…
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…Do not use mecasermin in children or adolescents with active or suspected neoplasia or with any condition or medical history that increases the risk of benign or malignant neoplasia.…
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In January 2016, letters were sent to healthcare professionals regarding fingolimod (Gilenya▼) and erlotinib (Tarceva)
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Letters were sent about ranibizumab and Emerade adrenaline auto-injectors. Alerts were issued about ranitidine, paracetamol, omeprazole, mitomycin-C Kyowa, folic acid, and Emerade adrenaline auto-injectors.
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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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Letters were sent about Oncaspar▼ (pegaspargase), Ketalar (ketamine) injection, and Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium). A recall was issued for several medicines taken out of the regulated medicines supply chain, includin…
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Advice on how to use cough and cold medicines safely for children under 12 years.
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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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Letters were sent about insulin Fiasp and Tresiba and Inhixa (enoxaparin sodium); use survey to feedback your thoughts on Direct Healthcare Professional Communications (DHPCs) and on the way medicines safety issues are commu…
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A review of the benefits and risks of alemtuzumab (including fatal reactions) in the treatment of multiple sclerosis has now concluded and recommended a revised indication, additional contraindications, and strengthened moni…
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Caution should be used in patients with known risk factors for venous thromboembolism in addition to the underlying disease. Patients older than 65 years of age are at an increased risk of serious infections and should be tr…
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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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Indication restricted to second-line treatment and contraindicated with some cardiovascular conditions and medicines
Furthermore, cilostazol is now contraindicated in patients with any of the following:
Unstable ang…
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Patients with complete or partial dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency are at increased risk of severe and fatal toxicity during treatment with these medicines. All patients should be tested for DPD deficiency be…
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Check pumps after MRI.
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There is a risk of harmful drug interactions with the ritonavir component of the COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid▼ due to its inhibition of the enzyme CYP3A, which metabolises many commonly used drugs. Prescribers should obtain a…
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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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Photosensitivity reactions are known side effects of methotrexate treatment and can be severe. Patients should be advised to take precautions to protect their skin in the sun.
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Advise patients that naltrexone/bupropion has been associated with adverse reactions such as dizziness or somnolence, which can affect ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform dangerous tasks. Advise patients not to d…