-
If thin, translucent or white-to-yellow proteinaceous strands (1–2 mm in length) are visible, filtration is advised.
-
New recommendations following a recent clinical trial which found that in patients with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome terlipressin may cause serious or fatal respiratory failure at a frequency higher than previously known, and…
-
Albumin-bound paclitaxel formulations for infusion (nab-paclitaxel; brand names Abraxane, Pazenir) differ from conventional paclitaxel medicines in their authorised indications, pharmacokinetics, recommended dosages, and preparation and administration instructions.…
-
A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices
-
A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.
-
Licensed doses and differences in potency between different inhaled corticosteroids; advice for use with spacer device.
-
Safety review initiated following post-surgical fatalities in ultra-rapid metabolisers
-
The tighter controls being introduced to minimise risk of overuse and or addiction of painkillers containing codeine or dihydrocodeine.…
-
Updated advice for healthcare professionals not to mix or infuse ceftriaxone with solutions containing calcium.
-
Should not be used for cough under 18 years
-
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, valproate-containing medicines must always be dispensed in the manufacturer’s original full pack.…
-
MHRA continues to identify cases of herbal medicines, particularly traditional Chinese medicines, which contain illegal and toxic Aristolochia or aristolochic acids.
-
Risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) for drospirenone-containing combined oral contraceptives (COCs), including Yasmin, is higher than for levonorgestrel-containing COCs.
-
MHRA has found samples of intensive body lotion with aloe vera (OSAS) to contain corticosteroid betamethasone.
-
Risk of serious side effects on fertility, the liver, kidneys, immune system, blood, and heart.
-
Monitor thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in patients treated with levothyroxine for at least the first month after starting and ending ritonavir treatment.
-
Advice for healthcare professionals regarding the withdrawal of pholcodine-containing medicines from the market.…
-
Oral lidocaine-containing products for infant teething are only to be available under the supervision of a pharmacist so that parents and caregivers can receive guidance about managing infant teething symptoms.…
-
Patients who use products that contain maltose, xylose, or galactose should use glucose-specific monitors.
-
Gadolinium-containing contrast agents are associated with a varying degree of risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.…
-
Warnings about the risk of severe and fatal burns are being extended to all paraffin-based emollients regardless of paraffin concentration. Data suggest there is also a risk for paraffin-free emollients. Advise patients who …
-
Medicines or herbal remedies that induce CYP3A4 enzymes reduce blood levels of levonorgestrel, which may reduce emergency contraceptive efficacy.
-
Use the Yellow Card Reporting Scheme to support the safety of e-cigarettes and refill containers (e-liquids).
-
A review has found that low levels of gadolinium can be retained in the brain and other tissues after administration of gadolinium-containing contrast agents (GdCAs).…
-
…Use of calcium gluconate injection packed in plastic containers is recommended to reduce aluminium burden in vulnerable patients
-
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…
-
There have been reports of worsening nasal congestion (rebound congestion) when the effects of nasal decongestant sprays or drops containing xylometazoline hydrochloride and oxymetazoline hydrochloride, wear off.
-
Solu-Medrone 40 mg may contain trace amounts of milk proteins. Do not use in patients with a known or suspected allergy to cows’ milk.
-
Omniscan and intravenous Magnevist are now no longer authorised for use and a product recall of any existing unexpired stock is underway.
-
Healthcare professionals should be aware that these capsules contain potential allergens.
-
Calcitonin-containing medicines should no longer be used in treatment of osteoporosis.
-
In February 2016, a letter was sent to healthcare professionals regarding medicines containing valproate.
-
How to reduce risk of illicit use.
-
Take care to tell people receiving blister packs containing a desiccant that the desiccant should not be swallowed.
-
Cases of iatrogenic botulism have been reported following the therapeutic or cosmetic use of botulinum toxin containing products where the toxin’s effect extends beyond the area of treatment. Patients should seek immediate medical advice if they experience signs and symptoms.…
-
Advice on how to use cough and cold medicines safely for children under 12 years.
-
Products that contain botulinum toxin are associated with the risk of serious adverse reactions due to distant spread of toxin.
-
Sales restrictions introduced in 2008 continue to be successful in managing the risk of misuse of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine.
-
Update on managing risk of misuse.
-
St John’s wort interacts with hormonal contraceptives reducing the effectiveness and increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancy.
-
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…
-
Topical oral salicylate gels are no longer indicated for people younger than 16 years for pain associated with infant teething, orthodontic devices, cold sores, or mouth ulcers.
-
The Commission on Human Medicines recommend that existing levels of monitoring, education, and awareness measures by pharmacists should be maintained.
-
A pharmacy-level recall of some valsartan-containing products took place due to possible contamination, including advice to healthcare professionals and information on supply.…
-
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems should always be prescribed by brand name because products have different indications, durations of use, and introducers.
-
A European review has considered MHRA evidence together with additional information from spontaneous reporting and published literature.
-
To avoid the risk of air embolism, these products should not be infused under pressure.
-
Abacavir should be used in line with current treatment guidelines and with caution in patients with high cardiovascular risk factors.
-
A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals, including recommendations to reduce handling errors with leuprorelin-containing depot medicines.
-
Healthcare professionals should be vigilant for suspected adverse reactions and safety concerns associated with e-cigarettes and e-liquids, commonly known as vapes. Please report adverse reactions to the Yellow Card scheme a…