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Make a clear distinction between liposomal, pegylated-liposomal, lipid-complex and conventional formulations when prescribing, dispensing, administering, and communicating about these medicines.…
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Following receipt of a third case of fatal medication error caused by the administration of Fungizone (a non-lipid-based formulation of amphotericin B) instead of a lipid-based formulation (AmBisome, Abelcet), we remind healthcare professionals that these formulations are not interchangeable…
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Letters were issued about parenteral nutrition products, ranibizumab, ingenol mebutate gel, adrenaline auto-injectors, and fingolimod. Recall alerts were recently issued about ranitidine, aripiprazole, and bisacodyl.
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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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There is a potential risk of fatal overdose due to confusion between lipid-based and non-lipid-based formulations of parenteral amphotericin B.…
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Detailed recommendations for dose restrictions when used with some other drugs as interactions may increase the risk of adverse effects, or reduce the effectiveness of statin treatment.
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Reminder to monitor and manage weight, glucose, and lipid levels.…
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…MHRA issued alerts and recalls for batches of Nutriflex Omega Special 2500 ml and Nutriflex Lipid Special 2500 ml.…
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Preliminary HPS2-THRIVE trial failed to show benefit outweighs risks
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Statin use may be associated with a level of hyperglycaemia in some patients where formal diabetes care is appropriate.
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There is an increased risk of myopathy associated with high-dose (80 mg) simvastatin. The 80-mg dose should be considered only in patients with severe hypercholesterolaemia and high risk of cardiovascular complications who h…
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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Updated contraindications and maximum dose recommendations when taken with a number of other medicines.
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Healthcare professionals should not prescribe them to newly diagnosed patients as first-line treatment, except for those with severe hypertriglyceridaemia or those who cannot take statins.
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There is a risk of rhabdomyolysis if Systemic fusidic acid (Fucidin) is given with statins.
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Healthcare professionals should be aware of the updated information so they can discuss it with new and existing patients.
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Licensed doses and differences in potency between different inhaled corticosteroids; advice for use with spacer device.
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Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are widely used medicines for patients with lipid disorders and in the primary and secondary prevention of heart attack and stroke.
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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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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Safety review initiated following post-surgical fatalities in ultra-rapid metabolisers
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Should not be used for cough under 18 years
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Updated advice for healthcare professionals not to mix or infuse ceftriaxone with solutions containing calcium.
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MHRA continues to identify cases of herbal medicines, particularly traditional Chinese medicines, which contain illegal and toxic Aristolochia or aristolochic acids.
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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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The maximum recommended dose for simvastatin in conjunction with amlodipine and diltiazem is now 20 mg/day.
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Risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) for drospirenone-containing combined oral contraceptives (COCs), including Yasmin, is higher than for levonorgestrel-containing COCs.
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MHRA has found samples of intensive body lotion with aloe vera (OSAS) to contain corticosteroid betamethasone.
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Risk of serious side effects on fertility, the liver, kidneys, immune system, blood, and heart.
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Monitor thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in patients treated with levothyroxine for at least the first month after starting and ending ritonavir treatment.
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The Isotretinoin Expert Working Group of the Commission on Human Medicines has made recommendations to strengthen the safety of isotretinoin treatment. Recommendations include new warnings, the need for consistent monitoring…
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Advice for healthcare professionals regarding the withdrawal of pholcodine-containing medicines from the market.…
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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.…
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Gadolinium-containing contrast agents are associated with a varying degree of risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.…
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Patients who use products that contain maltose, xylose, or galactose should use glucose-specific monitors.
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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 …
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Use the Yellow Card Reporting Scheme to support the safety of e-cigarettes and refill containers (e-liquids).
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Medicines or herbal remedies that induce CYP3A4 enzymes reduce blood levels of levonorgestrel, which may reduce emergency contraceptive efficacy.
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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).…
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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…
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…Use of calcium gluconate injection packed in plastic containers is recommended to reduce aluminium burden in vulnerable patients
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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.
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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.
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Omniscan and intravenous Magnevist are now no longer authorised for use and a product recall of any existing unexpired stock is underway.
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Calcitonin-containing medicines should no longer be used in treatment of osteoporosis.
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Healthcare professionals should be aware that these capsules contain potential allergens.
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In February 2016, a letter was sent to healthcare professionals regarding medicines containing valproate.
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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.…
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How to reduce risk of illicit use.
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Take care to tell people receiving blister packs containing a desiccant that the desiccant should not be swallowed.