-
A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
-
…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.…
-
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.
-
Healthcare professionals should advise patients who need re-vaccination with Pneumovax II to expect a more intense reaction than after their first vaccination.
-
Healthcare professionals prescribing dupilumab should be alert to the risks of ocular reactions. New onset or worsening ocular symptoms require prompt review. Referral for ophthalmological examination should be made as appro…
-
Clinical trials, including interim findings from a randomised trial, show an increased risk of depression, suicidal ideation or behaviour, or self-injury in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus receiving belimumab comp…
-
Healthcare professionals should consider measuring magnesium levels before starting PPI treatment and repeat measurements periodically during prolonged treatment.
-
For most patients and most medicines, estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is an appropriate measure of renal function for determining dosage adjustments in renal impairment; however, in some circumstances, the Cockcr…
-
Quinine should only be considered when cramps cause regular disruption of sleep.
-
Perform a quantitative serum anti-JCV antibody test—including index value—to support risk stratification for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. For high-risk patients, consider more frequent MRI screening.
-
Patients with active infection with this virus should not be treated with ofatumumab.
-
New advice for extended early monitoring for those with significant bradycardia or heart block after first dose.
-
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…
-
Spontaneous reporting on the Yellow Card portal has provided important information in the identification of PML associated with some drugs.
-
Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy have been reported in patients taking dimethyl fumarate for multiple sclerosis, who all had prolonged lymphopenia.
-
A summary of Medical Device Alerts recently issued by the MHRA.
-
Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the November 2021 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 3 December 2021.
-
Monitoring for encephalitis should continue for 12 months following discontinuation of daclizumab. Inform all patients who have discontinued daclizumab and their caregivers of the common symptoms of encephalitis and the need…
-
Infusion reactions and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported commonly during treatment with Avastin.
-
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.
-
Screening for hepatitis B virus is now recommended in all patients (not only those at risk of this infection) before starting treatment for all indications.
-
The immunomodulatory effects of fingolimod increase the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and opportunistic infections.
-
Before starting treatment with pomalidomide, establish hepatitis B virus status in all patients.
-
Prescribers should be vigilant for possible thrombotic adverse reactions.
-
Rare cases of atypical femoral fracture with long-term use.
-
Denosumab is associated with a risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw, osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal has also been reported with denosumab.
-
Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the August 2021 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 9 September 2021.
-
Maintenance doses of brolucizumab (after the first 3 doses) should not be given at intervals of less than 8 weeks apart.
-
Risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) associated with natalizumab is increased in patients who have had previous immunosuppressant therapy.
-
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.
-
Establish hepatitis B status before initiating carfilzomib and in patients with unknown hepatitis B virus serology who are already being treated with carfilzomib.
-
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…
-
New specific guidance on dose-dependent prolongation of QTc with ondansetron.
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Patients who use products that contain maltose, xylose, or galactose should use glucose-specific monitors.
-
…If symptoms or poor control of thyroid function persist (despite adhering to a specific product), consider prescribing levothyroxine in an oral solution formulation.
-
In addition to the 3 risk-based categories of antiepileptic drugs, patient-related factors should be considered when deciding whether it is necessary to maintain continuity of supply for a specific product.…
-
…AEDs have been divided into three risk-based categories to help healthcare professionals decide whether it is necessary to maintain continuity of supply of a specific manufacturer’s product
-
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…
-
A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
-
A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals, including recommendations to reduce handling errors with leuprorelin-containing depot medicines.
-
…Specific reversal agents are available for dabigatran (Praxbind▼, idarucizumab), and apixaban and rivaroxaban (Ondexxya▼, andexanet alfa).…
-
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…
-
Alerts were recently issued by MHRA about Smiths Medical medication cassette reservoirs, Alaris Smartsite add-on bag access devices, and Combur10 Test UX and Chemstrip 10 A urinalysis test strips.
-
A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
-
Patients should be transferred to alternative bronchodilator therapy.
-
Epimax Ointment and Epimax Paraffin-Free Ointment can harm the eyes if used on the face. Do not prescribe these ointments for use on the face. Tell patients to wash their hands and avoid touching their eyes after using these…
-
Alerts were recently issued about Novaline haemodialysis bloodlines used with Baxter/Gambro haemodialysis machines and Alaris and Asena enteral syringe pumps