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Monitor serum phosphate levels in patients treated with multiple high-dose administrations, or those on long-term treatment, and in those with pre-existing risk factors for hypophosphataemia. Re-evaluate ferric carboxymaltose treatment in patients with persistent hypophosphataemia.…
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Updated advice on use of nicorandil as second-line treatment for stable angina - some ulcers may progress to complications unless treatment is stopped.
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New advice for extended early monitoring for those with significant bradycardia or heart block after first dose.
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Updated advice for healthcare professionals not to mix or infuse ceftriaxone with solutions containing calcium.
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Calcium salts (either calcium chloride or calcium gluconate) are used to stabilise the myocardium and prevent cardiac arrest in patients experiencing severe hyperkalaemia. However, the two salts are not equivalent in terms of calcium dose.…
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Studies of cardiovascular risk don’t support prescribing changes.
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…Use of calcium gluconate injection packed in plastic containers is recommended to reduce aluminium burden in vulnerable patients
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Fatal cases of severe symptomatic hypocalcaemia, and risk of hypocalcaemia at any time during treatment.
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Recent epidemiological evidence of an increased risk of fracture with long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
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Minimising the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw; monitoring for hypocalcaemia.
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Serious and life-threatening hypercalcaemia has been reported with denosumab 60mg (Prolia) in children and adolescents in clinical trials for osteogenesis imperfecta and during off-label use. Denosumab 60mg (Prolia) is autho…
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Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypercalcaemia after discontinuation of denosumab treatment for giant cell tumour of bone. Cases of rebound hypercalcemia have been reported up to 9 months after cessation of treatm…
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…If use of magnesium sulfate in pregnancy is prolonged or repeated, consider monitoring of neonates for abnormal calcium and magnesium levels and skeletal adverse effects.…
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices and a reminder of a recent MHRA National Patient Safety Alert to highlight the potential risk of underdosing with calcium gluconate in severe hyperkalaemia.…
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We have launched a public consultation on the proposal to reclassify codeine linctus to a prescription-only medicine.
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Emerging clinical trial evidence of increased cardiovascular risk.
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Data suggests that long-term use of carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, and sodium valproate is associated with decreased bone mineral density that may lead to osteopenia, osteoporosis, and increased fractures.
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Take particular care when prescribing or dispensing medicines that could be confused with others (ie, they sound-alike or look-alike).
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Letters were sent about methotrexate, modafinil, Ecalta, Picato, Nexplanon, valproate medicines, e-cigarettes, and Lemtrada. Alerts were issued about finasteride, codeine/paracetamol, and Picato.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines.
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From October 2014 Dexamethasone 4 mg/ml injection (Organon Laboratories Limited) will be replaced by Dexamethasone 3.8 mg/ml solution for injection (Aspen Pharma Trading Limited).
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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 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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Repeat enhanced cardiovascular monitoring when restarting fingolimod after treatment interruption,
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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Advise patients taking hydrochlorothiazide-containing products of the cumulative, dose-dependent risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly in long-term use, and the need to regularly check for (and report) any suspiciou…
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We have introduced pack size restrictions, revised recommended ages for use, and new safety warnings for over-the-counter stimulant laxatives (orally and rectally administered) following a national safety review. Advise pati…
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The maximum recommended dose for simvastatin in conjunction with amlodipine and diltiazem is now 20 mg/day.
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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…