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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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Tazocin (piperacillin/tazobactam) has been reformulated to meet European Pharmacopoeia requirements on particle size.
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Data suggests that long-term use of carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, and sodium valproate is associated with decreased bone mineral density that may lead to osteopenia, osteoporosis, and increased fractures.
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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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Calcium salts (either calcium chloride or calcium gluconate) are used to stabilise the myocardium and prevent cardiac arrest in patients experiencing severe hyperkalaemia. However, the two salts are not equivalent in terms of calcium dose.…
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Updated advice for healthcare professionals not to mix or infuse ceftriaxone with solutions containing calcium.
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Studies of cardiovascular risk don’t support prescribing changes.
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Fatal cases of severe symptomatic hypocalcaemia, and risk of hypocalcaemia at any time during treatment.
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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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Recent epidemiological evidence of an increased risk of fracture with long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
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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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Minimising the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw; monitoring for hypocalcaemia.
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Not for use in pregnancy unless there is no effective alternative.
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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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Serious and life-threatening hypercalcaemia has been reported with denosumab 60mg (Prolia) in children and adolescents in clinical trials for osteogenesis imperfecta and during off-label use. Denosumab 60mg (Prolia) is autho…
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A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals.
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…MHRA issued alerts and recalls for valsartan-containing medicines, Fiasp FlexTouch pre-filled pens, melatonin capsules, and sodium cromoglicate eye drops.
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Cases of pigmentary maculopathy leading to visual impairment have been reported with pentosan polysulfate, particularly after long-term use at high doses. Ensure patients taking pentosan polysulfate have regular ophthalmic e…
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A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals.
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Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypercalcaemia after discontinuation of denosumab treatment for giant cell tumour of bone. Cases of rebound hypercalcemia have been reported up to 9 months after cessation of treatm…
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.
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Canagliflozin may increase the risk of lower-limb amputation (mainly toes) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Evidence does not show an increased risk for dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, but the risk may be a class effect. P…
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We have received reports of Colobreathe (colistimethate sodium) capsules shattering when pierced by their inhaler device.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.
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…If use of magnesium sulfate in pregnancy is prolonged or repeated, consider monitoring of neonates for abnormal calcium and magnesium levels and skeletal adverse effects.…
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A summary of letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals in December 2016.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.
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liver-function testing recommended in patients with symptoms that may indicate liver injury.
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May cause skin irritation, particularly in children with eczema, possibly due to sodium lauryl sulfate content.
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Letters were sent about Oncaspar▼ (pegaspargase), Ketalar (ketamine) injection, and Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium).…
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Children exposed in utero to valproate are at a high risk of serious developmental disorders (in up to 30-40% of cases) and/or congenital malformations (in approximately 10% of cases).
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Letters were sent about insulin Fiasp and Tresiba and Inhixa (enoxaparin sodium); use survey to feedback your thoughts on Direct Healthcare Professional Communications (DHPCs) and on the way medicines safety issues are communicated.
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Letters were sent about Arsenic Trioxide (Trisenox), Uptravi▼ (selexipag), DepoCyte (cytarabine), Cinryze▼ (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]), and Clexane (enoxaparin sodium).
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices and a reminder of a recent MHRA National Patient Safety Alert to highlight the potential risk of underdosing with calcium gluconate in severe hyperkalaemia.…
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SGLT2 inhibitor treatment should be interrupted in patients who are hospitalised for major surgical procedures or acute serious medical illnesses and ketone levels measured, preferably in blood rather than urine. Treatment m…
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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A summary of letters sent to healthcare professionals in September 2016, including important information for professionals who specialise in epilepsy treatment regarding the withdrawal from the market of retigabine (Trobalt).
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Emerging clinical trial evidence of increased cardiovascular risk.
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Monitor serum phosphate levels in patients treated with multiple high-dose administrations, or those on long-term treatment, and in those with pre-existing risk factors for hypophosphataemia. Re-evaluate ferric carboxymaltos…
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Osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal has been reported very rarely (fewer than 1 in 10 000 patients) with bisphosphonates, mainly in association with long-term therapy (2 years or longer).
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals, including recommendations to reduce handling errors with leuprorelin-containing depot medicines.
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A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices. Includes a recent recall of Accupro (quinapril hydrochloride) and advice on Xagrid (anagrelide hydrochloride…
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines.
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A summary of letters and recent medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals.
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Take particular care when prescribing or dispensing medicines that could be confused with others (ie, they sound-alike or look-alike).
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Letters were sent about Buccolam (midazolam), misoprostol vaginal delivery system (Mysodelle), noradrenaline, Relenza (zanamivir), mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid, Flolan, and Fludara.