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Extension of the indication for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to include harm reduction.
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A summary of recent safety letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals
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There is a risk of rhabdomyolysis if Systemic fusidic acid (Fucidin) is given with statins.
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You should take caution when you use NSAIDs in patients with renal impairment or are at risk.
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Globally, there has been a very small number of reports of new-onset or aggravation of pre-existing myasthenia gravis with atorvastatin, pravastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin and pitavastatin (singl…
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines.
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New study shows use of oral contraceptives reduces risk of ovarian cancer.
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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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In the UK, low-dose aspirin is licensed for prevention of thrombotic cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease only in those who already have vascular disease—ie, secondary prevention.
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importance of establishing wild type RAS (KRAS and NRAS) status before treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer
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We are aware of reports of serious liver injuries and deaths in patients with primary biliary cholangitis with pre-existing moderate or severe liver impairment who were not adequately dose-adjusted. Follow dose reduction and…
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New guidance on contraceptive methods and frequency of pregnancy testing to reduce inadvertent exposures during pregnancy in a woman taking a medicine of teratogenic potential.
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Take the risk of cardiovascular side effects into account when prescribing tiotropium delivered via Respimat or Handihaler to patients with certain cardiac conditions, who were excluded from clinical trials of tiotropium (in…
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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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Patients should be transferred to alternative bronchodilator therapy.
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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…
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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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In view of data showing ongoing exposure to valproate in pregnancy, this article reminds healthcare professionals of the risks in pregnancy and the current Pregnancy Prevention Programme requirements, and provides informatio…
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How pharmacists can prevent counterfeits reaching patients.
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Risks of Nicobrevin outweigh any benefits.
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Risk of psychological and behavioural side effects.
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…Only initiate daclizumab in restricted groups of patients with limited treatment options and keep all patients under close liver function monitoring.
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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…
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Evaluate a patient’s individual factors for benefits and risks before initiating treatment with denosumab 60mg, particularly in those with previous vertebral fracture. Patients should not stop denosumab without specialist re…
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines.
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Possible illicit drug use should be considered when prescribing medicines that have the potential to interact adversely.
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Tapentadol may increase seizure risk in patients taking other medicines that lower seizure threshold, for example, antidepressants and antipsychotics. Serotonin syndrome has also been reported when tapentadol is used in comb…
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Test for raised ketones in patients with ketoacidosis symptoms, even if plasma glucose levels are near-normal.
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Patients with epilepsy should not take products that contain St John’s wort as any antiepileptic medicine may interact with St John’s wort.
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Benefits of these medicines used in conjunction with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in the control of asthma symptoms in children outweigh any apparent risks.
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With the exception of medicines containing zidovudine, stavudine, or didanosine, product information will no longer include warnings on fat redistribution or lactic acidosis.
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Surgeons reminded to have competent personnel and emergency facilities available for at least 1 hour after administration of the blue dye.
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Reminder to test liver function before and during treatment.
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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.
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Reports of reconstituted solution leaking from some models of extension sets and pumps.
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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 …
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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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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.
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Prescribers should be vigilant for possible thrombotic adverse reactions.
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…No treatment-related pattern in individual cancers or cancer groupings were apparent.
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Further information is available to support safer use
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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…
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Mirabegron is now contraindicated in patients with severe uncontrolled hypertension; advice about regular monitoring is being introduced because of cases of severe hypertension.
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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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Recent clinical trials have shown increased mortality when bendamustine (Levact) was used in combination treatments outside its approved indications. Be aware that the risk of opportunistic infections for all patients receiv…
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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.
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The tighter controls being introduced to minimise risk of overuse and or addiction of painkillers containing codeine or dihydrocodeine.
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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…
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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.