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Following a review of the available toxicological data and a calculation of daily exposure to boron from a typical dosing regimen, we have concluded that the balance between the benefits and risks of chloramphenicol eye drops containing borax or boric acid remains positive for children…
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…Cholestasis of pregnancy associated with thiopurines tends to occur earlier in pregnancy than non drug-induced cholestasis of pregnancy, and elevated bile acid levels may not reduce with ursodeoxycholic acid.…
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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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A retrospective observational study has indicated a possible association between valproate use by men around the time of conception and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in their children.
Inform male p…
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Gadolinium-containing contrast agents are associated with a varying degree of risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. See advice below to minimise risk in the following vulnerable groups: patients with renal impairment; patie…
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A summary of letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals in December 2016.
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May cause skin irritation, particularly in children with eczema, possibly due to sodium lauryl sulfate content.
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Patient reminder cards about the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw are being introduced; denosumab 120 mg is now contraindicated in patients with unhealed lesions from dental or oral surgery.
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liver-function testing recommended in patients with symptoms that may indicate liver injury.
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Rivaroxaban treatment in patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) should be stopped and switched to standard of care.
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Letters were sent about Oncaspar▼ (pegaspargase), Ketalar (ketamine) injection, and Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium).…
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Letters were sent about Arsenic Trioxide (Trisenox), Uptravi▼ (selexipag), DepoCyte (cytarabine), Cinryze▼ (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]), and Clexane (enoxaparin sodium).
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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 communicated.
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Mycophenolate mofetil and its active metabolite mycophenolic acid, both used to prevent transplant rejection, are teratogenic and genotoxic.…
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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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A pooled analysis has shown an increased rate of new primary malignancies in patients given Xgeva (1-year cumulative incidence 1.1%) compared with those given zoledronic acid (0.6%), when used in the indication of the prevention of skeletal-related events with advanced malignancies involving…
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A summary of letters sent to healthcare professionals in September 2016, including important information for professionals who specialise in epilepsy treatment regarding the withdrawal from the market of retigabine (Trobalt).
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals, including recommendations to reduce handling errors with leuprorelin-containing depot medicines.
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A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals.
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A summary of letters and recent 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.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices. Includes a recent recall of Accupro (quinapril hydrochloride) and advice on Xagrid (anagrelide hydrochloride…
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Fingolimod can cause persistent bradycardia, which can increase the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias. New contraindications have been introduced for patients with pre-existing cardiac disorders.
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Check full blood counts before prescribing dimethyl fumarate and then every 6 to 12 months. Stop treatment immediately if you suspect progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
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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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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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…As a result, it can only be diluted with either dextrose 5% solution or sodium chloride 0·9% solution
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Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are associated with very infrequent cases of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), a non-scarring dermatosis that can develop in sun-exposed areas.
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A clinical trial has shown an increased risk of recurrent thrombotic events associated with rivaroxaban compared with warfarin, in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and a history of thrombosis. Other direct-acting oral…
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Although use of valproate medicines in female patients continues to slowly decline, there is wide variation in prescribing between Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). Women continue to report instances when they have not r…
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A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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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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Letters were sent to healthcare professionals about Lartruvo▼ (olaratumab), quadrivalent influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated), SGLT2 inhibitors, and carbimazole and thiamazole (synonym: methimazole)-containing produ…
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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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Measure serum immunoglobulin levels if recurrent infections develop. Consider bronchiectasis or pulmonary fibrosis if patients develop persistent respiratory symptoms.
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Insufficient evidence to confirm a link between oral bisphosphonate use and an increased risk of oesophageal cancer.
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There is no known interaction between oseltamivir and aspirin but aspirin must not be given to anyone younger than 16 year.
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Valproate medicines must no longer be used in women or girls of childbearing potential unless a Pregnancy Prevention Programme is in place. Ensure all women and girls (and their parent, caregiver, or responsible person, if n…
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Letters were sent to healthcare professionals about Jext adrenaline autoinjectors, rivaroxaban, Ozurdex 700 micrograms intravitreal implant, sildenafil, hydrochlorothiazide, and Epilim Chronosphere (sodium valproate).…
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Severe infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions have occurred in patients receiving temsirolimus.
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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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Letters were sent about ellaOne, ERWINASE, Eperzan▼, Ocaliva▼, Velcade, Esmya, and Bleo-Kyowa.
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New recommendations are being introduced to minimise the risk of serious hypersensitivity reactions with ferumoxytol.
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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If Fournier’s gangrene is suspected, stop the SGLT2 inhibitor and start treatment urgently (including antibiotics and surgical debridement). Fournier’s gangrene is a rare but potentially life-threatening infection that requi…
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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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Atypical femoral fractures reported rarely with bisphosphonate therapy, mainly in patients receiving long-term treatment for osteoporosis.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines.
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N-acetylcysteine may interfere with assays from Siemens ADVIA Chemistry and Dimension/Dimension Vista instruments, leading to false-low biochemistry test results.