-
Make a clear distinction between liposomal, pegylated-liposomal, lipid-complex and conventional formulations when prescribing, dispensing, administering, and communicating about these medicines.…
-
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…
-
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.
-
With the exception of medicines containing zidovudine, stavudine, or didanosine, product information will no longer include warnings on fat redistribution or lactic acidosis.
-
There is a potential risk of fatal overdose due to confusion between lipid-based and non-lipid-based formulations of parenteral amphotericin B.…
-
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.
-
Reminder to monitor and manage weight, glucose, and lipid levels.…
-
…MHRA issued alerts and recalls for batches of Nutriflex Omega Special 2500 ml and Nutriflex Lipid Special 2500 ml.…
-
Preliminary HPS2-THRIVE trial failed to show benefit outweighs risks
-
Statin use may be associated with a level of hyperglycaemia in some patients where formal diabetes care is appropriate.
-
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…
-
A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
-
Updated contraindications and maximum dose recommendations when taken with a number of other medicines.
-
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.
-
There is a risk of rhabdomyolysis if Systemic fusidic acid (Fucidin) is given with statins.
-
Healthcare professionals should be aware of the updated information so they can discuss it with new and existing patients.
-
Licensed doses and differences in potency between different inhaled corticosteroids; advice for use with spacer device.
-
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.
-
A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
-
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.…
-
Should not be used for cough under 18 years
-
Updated advice for healthcare professionals not to mix or infuse ceftriaxone with solutions containing calcium.
-
MHRA continues to identify cases of herbal medicines, particularly traditional Chinese medicines, which contain illegal and toxic Aristolochia or aristolochic acids.
-
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, valproate-containing medicines must always be dispensed in the manufacturer’s original full pack.…
-
The maximum recommended dose for simvastatin in conjunction with amlodipine and diltiazem is now 20 mg/day.
-
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.…
-
Gadolinium-containing contrast agents are associated with a varying degree of risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.…
-
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…
-
Patients who use products that contain maltose, xylose, or galactose should use glucose-specific monitors.
-
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 …
-
Use the Yellow Card Reporting Scheme to support the safety of e-cigarettes and refill containers (e-liquids).
-
Medicines or herbal remedies that induce CYP3A4 enzymes reduce blood levels of levonorgestrel, which may reduce emergency contraceptive efficacy.
-
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.
-
Calcitonin-containing medicines should no longer be used in treatment of osteoporosis.
-
Healthcare professionals should be aware that these capsules contain potential allergens.
-
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.
-
Sales restrictions introduced in 2008 continue to be successful in managing the risk of misuse of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine.