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Implementation of measures to regulate sales, together with the additional voluntary actions overseen by the pharmacy profession, has made an important contribution to managing the risk of misuse of pseudoephedrine and ephed…
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These medicines are not first-line options for insomnia.
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Guidance has been published on monitoring of patients on warfarin and other anticoagulants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the February 2023 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 21 March 2023.
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Do not use codeine in children under 12 as it is associated with a risk of respiratory side effects. Codeine is not recommended for adolescents (12 to 18) who have problems with breathing.
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Should not be used for cough under 18 years
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Sales restrictions introduced in 2008 continue to be successful in managing the risk of misuse of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine.
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There is a small increase in the risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome following vaccination with Abrysvo (Pfizer respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine) and Arexvy (GSK RSV vaccine) in adults aged 60 years and older. Healthca…
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Unless there are exceptional circumstances, valproate-containing medicines must always be dispensed in the manufacturer’s original full pack.
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Evidence does not support any increased risk of cancer in patients who use these medicines.
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Denosumab is associated with a risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw, osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal has also been reported with denosumab.
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Calcitonin-containing medicines should no longer be used in treatment of osteoporosis.
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The authorised dose regimen for N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in paracetamol overdose is 3 consecutive bags given intravenously over 21 hours. Prescribing information is being updated to advise that continued treatment with NAC may…
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A clinically significant interaction between carbapenems and valproic acid results in reduced valproate plasma concentrations with potential for inadequate seizure control. Concomitant use of these agents is not recommended,…
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the April 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 13 May 2022.
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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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Mixing drugs together, where one is not a vehicle for the administration of the other, creates an unlicensed medicine.
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Careful monitoring of serum sodium important, co-administration of other drugs that may increase serum sodium not recommended.
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All products to be named and prescribed as caffeine citrate.
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Strengthening surveillance of medicines throughout the EU
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the January 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 11 February 2022.
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Continued monitoring of medicines with a black triangle status.
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Aluminium can be leached from glass after contact with calcium gluconate solution, leading to a risk of exposure to aluminium. Accumulation of aluminium might have adverse effects on bone mineralisation and neurological deve…
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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.
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New safety and educational materials have been introduced for men and women and healthcare professionals to reduce the harms from valproate, including the significant risk of serious harm to the baby if taken during pregnanc…
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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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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…
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Spontaneous reporting on the Yellow Card portal has provided important information in the identification of PML associated with some drugs.
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Infusion reactions and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported commonly during treatment with Avastin.
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Following a review of the risks associated with use of opioid medicines for non-cancer pain, the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has recommended that fentanyl transdermal patches are contraindicated in opioid-naive patients in the UK.…
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Information on the newly launched Safer Medicines in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Consortium and a new report on optimising data on medicines used during pregnancy.
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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.
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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.
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Reporting suspected adverse reactions experienced by the woman or child associated with medicines taken during pregnancy.
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Atomoxetine is associated with treatment-emergent psychotic or manic symptoms in children and adolescents - consider stopping this if symptoms occur.
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May cause skin irritation, particularly in children with eczema, possibly due to sodium lauryl sulfate content.
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Extension of the indication for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to include harm reduction.
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Letters were sent about Insuman insulin products, mecasermin, and valproate medicines. Recalls were issued about ranitidine medicines and Paclitaxel.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the October 2021 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 12 November 2021.
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Monitoring blood concentrations of clozapine (Clozaril, Denzapine, Zaponex) for toxicity is now advised in certain clinical situations. Blood level monitoring of other antipsychotics for toxicity may also be helpful in certa…
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New simplified guidance on treating paracetamol overdose with intravenous acetylcysteine including an updated treatment nomogram.
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Co-proxamol's phased withdrawal period lasts until the end of 2007 to enable patients to move to suitable alternatives.
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Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy have been reported in patients taking dimethyl fumarate for multiple sclerosis, who all had prolonged lymphopenia.
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How to reduce risk of illicit use.
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There have been reports of necrotising and haemorrhagic pancreatitis in people taking exenatide some of which were fatal - stop exenatide treatment if pancreatitis is diagnosed.
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A UK and Europe-wide review of available efficacy and safety data confirmed that reboxetine has benefit over placebo in its authorised indication.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices, and a recent National Patient Safety Alert asking organisations to put a plan in place to implement new regu…
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A large study has shown no safety issues of concern relating to the use of metformin during pregnancy. The licence for metformin now reflects that it can be considered for use during pregnancy and the periconceptional phase …
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Batches of this medicine are being recalled from the market because of low levels of microbial contamination.