-
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…
-
Patients with epilepsy should not take products that contain St John’s wort as any antiepileptic medicine may interact with St John’s wort.
-
There is an increased risk that some patients may experience psychiatric symptoms with apremilast, including depression and suicidal thoughts. Stop treatment if patients have new psychiatric symptoms or if existing symptoms …
-
Evidence indicates risks outweigh benefits.
-
-
Surgeons reminded to have competent personnel and emergency facilities available for at least 1 hour after administration of the blue dye.
-
Onsenal▼ (celecoxib) is no longer approved in Europe for the reduction of intestinal polyps in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
-
Patients who require a liquid oral formulation of a β-agonist should be switched to a more-selective short-acting β2-agonist such as salbutamol or terbutaline.
-
Reports of reconstituted solution leaking from some models of extension sets and pumps.
-
New clinical trial information is available on the timing of the loading dose of prasugrel when used in patients with unstable angina or non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.
-
New recommendations following a review of the risks of dependence and addiction associated with prolonged use of opioid medicines (opioids) for non-cancer pain. Before prescribing opioids, discuss with the patient the risks …
-
Prescribers should be vigilant for possible thrombotic adverse reactions.
-
…No treatment-related pattern in individual cancers or cancer groupings were apparent.
-
Review by two specialists remains in place for patients initiating valproate under 55 years of age but the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has advised that it will not be required for men (or males) currently taking valp…
-
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…
-
Further information is available to support safer use
-
We have received reports of depression and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts in men taking finasteride 1 mg (Propecia) for male pattern hair loss. Be aware that depression is also associated with finasteride 5 mg (Proscar).
-
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…
-
Calcitonin-containing medicines should no longer be used in treatment of osteoporosis.
-
(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.
-
The tighter controls being introduced to minimise risk of overuse and or addiction of painkillers containing codeine or dihydrocodeine.
-
A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
-
A review is being undertaken by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency with advice from the Commission on Human Medicines and the Isotretinoin Expert Working Group due to concerns about the possible association between isotretinoin and suspected psychiatric and sexual…
-
Following a review by the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), the marketing authorisation (licence) for levothyroxine 100 microgram tablets manufactured by Teva has been suspended.
-
Letters were sent about valproate medicines, atezolizumab (Tecentriq▼), and nusinersen (Spinraza▼). MHRA issued alerts and recalls for valsartan-containing medicines, Fiasp FlexTouch pre-filled pens, melatonin capsules, and …
-
Linezolid is not active against infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens, and treatment should be started only after specialist microbiological advice.
-
Gabapentin has been associated with a rare risk of severe respiratory depression even without concomitant opioid medicines. Patients with compromised respiratory function, respiratory or neurological disease, renal impairmen…
-
Strengthening surveillance of medicines throughout the EU
-
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.
-
Risk of thrombosis and haemorrhage in patients with prosthetic heart valve(s) requiring anti-coagulant treatment.
-
Use restricted to adults with advanced or metastatic breast cancer only.
-
There are new interim treatment recommendations for idelalisib for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and follicular lymphoma in light of new findings from clinical trials outside its currently authorised drug combinations or ind…
-
New safety recommendations have been issued while an EU review evaluates cases of neural tube defects in babies born to mothers who became pregnant while taking the HIV medicine dolutegravir.
-
Advice for healthcare professionals on the reclassification of codeine linctus to a prescription-only medicine (POM), following a public consultation.
-
Updated advice on use of nicorandil as second-line treatment for stable angina - some ulcers may progress to complications unless treatment is stopped.
-
The risk of foetal malformation with oral retinoids is extremely high, even when used at a low dose or for a short time during pregnancy. All oral retinoids have an associated Pregnancy Prevention Programme (PPP), which is s…
-
Spontaneous reporting on the Yellow Card portal has provided important information in the identification of PML associated with some drugs.
-
Concerns over recent years about the use of antipsychotics to treat the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
-
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…
-
Care needed when transferring from unlicensed formulations.
-
Clinical trials have reported an increased risk of renal dysfunction and mortality in critically ill or septic patients who received hydroxyethyl starch (HES) compared with crystalloids.
-
Risk of tuberculosis - screen all patients before starting treatment and monitor them closely.
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.
-
Letters were sent about Insuman insulin products, mecasermin, and valproate medicines. Recalls were issued about ranitidine medicines and Paclitaxel.
-
Prescribers should be aware of the risk of potentiation of radiation toxicity with vemurafenib when given before, during, or after radiotherapy
-
Not for use in pregnancy unless there is no effective alternative.
-
Addition of a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based laxative to a liquid that has been thickened with a starch-based thickener may counteract the thickening action, placing patients with dysphagia at a greater risk of aspiration.
-
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…