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We remind healthcare professionals that accidental use of glucose-containing solutions as flush fluid for arterial lines may contaminate blood samples and result in falsely high glucose readings. This may lead to inappropria…
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines
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A recent Europe-wide review of the safety information for alli has led to a number of updates, which bring the product information in line with that for Xenical.
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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.
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Letters were sent about Myocrisin (sodium aurothiomalate), Cerliponase alfa (Brineura▼), Darzalex▼(daratumumab), retinoids▼, and febuxostat (Adenuric). A recall alert was issued for medicines that were taken out of the regulated medicines supply chain during distribution.…
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices, and information about the publication of two recent Device Safety Information pages. The article also includ…
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Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials have highlighted a dose-dependent increased risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with established cardiovascular diseases or cardiovascular risk factors treated with omega-3-acid ethyl ester medicines compared to placebo…
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Letters were sent about alemtuzumab (Lemtrada), Selenase (sodium selenite pentahydrate), and Erelzi▼ (etanercept).…
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Monitoring of blood electrolytes is essential in patients coprescribed a potassium-sparing diuretic and an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) for heart failure.
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…Three infographics have been developed to provide clarity regarding valproate prescribing.
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Reminder to monitor and manage weight, glucose, and lipid levels.
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A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals
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There is a risk of rhabdomyolysis if Systemic fusidic acid (Fucidin) is given with statins.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices, and information about the publication of two recent Device Safety Information pages.
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Diabetic ketoacidosis has been reported in patients with type 2 diabetes on a combination of a GLP-1 receptor agonist and insulin who had doses of concomitant insulin rapidly reduced or discontinued. GLP-1 receptor agonists …
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The authorisation holder for dapagliflozin has withdrawn the indication for type 1 diabetes mellitus. The removal of the type 1 diabetes indication is not due to any new safety concerns and the other indications of dapaglifl…
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We are providing an update on a retrospective observational study on the risk to children born to men who took valproate in the 3 months before conception and on the need for the re-analysis of the data from this study before conclusions can be drawn.…
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…Inform male patients who may father children of this possible increased risk and the recommendation to use effective contraception during valproate treatment and for at least 3 months after stopping valproate.
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Letters were sent to healthcare professionals about Jext adrenaline autoinjectors, rivaroxaban, Ozurdex 700 micrograms intravitreal implant, sildenafil, hydrochlorothiazide, and Epilim Chronosphere (sodium valproate).…
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New recommendations are being introduced to minimise the risk of serious hypersensitivity reactions with ferumoxytol.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices and details of two recent MHRA National Patient Safety Alerts to remove from service Philips Health Systems V…
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Letters were sent about tofacitinib (Xeljanz▼), Trisenox (arsenic trioxide), lapatinib (Tyverb), direct-acting oral anticoagulants, and Lartruvo▼ (olaratumab). Alerts were issued about Epanutin (phenytoin) oral solution, Mac…
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines.
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the November 2021 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 3 December 2021.
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Test for raised ketones in patients with ketoacidosis symptoms, even if plasma glucose levels are near-normal.
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In January 2020, healthcare professionals received updated educational materials to support the valproate pregnancy prevention programme. Valproate is contraindicated in girls and women of childbearing potential, unless the …
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Use a filter needle when drawing up reconstituted dantrolene solution.
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A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
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Topiramate is now contraindicated in pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential unless the conditions of a Pregnancy Prevention Programme are fulfilled. This follows a review by the MHRA which concluded that the use of…
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Increased risk of arterial thromboembolism, including myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular events for patients treated with thalidomide.
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Prescribers should be alert for neuropsychiatric reactions in patients taking montelukast and carefully consider the benefits and risks of continuing treatment if they occur.
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Healthcare professionals prescribing montelukast should be alert to the risk of neuropsychiatric reactions in all patients including children and adolescents. Reported neuropsychiatric reactions include sleep disorders, hall…
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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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Remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of bleeding complications during treatment with DOACs (apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, rivaroxaban), especially in patients with increased bleeding risks. Specific reversal agents are a…
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Risk minimisation materials are available to support the safe use of new paediatric formulations of rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa). In addition, we ask healthcare professionals to consult the curren…
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Although use of valproate medicines in female patients continues to slowly decline, there is wide variation in prescribing between Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). Women continue to report instances when they have not r…
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In view of data showing ongoing exposure to valproate in pregnancy, this article reminds healthcare professionals of the risks in pregnancy and the current Pregnancy Prevention Programme requirements, and provides informatio…
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An alert was issued advising against use of Dermapen 3 and Dermapen Cryo Sterile single use needle cartridge tips for Dermapen 3 since their safety cannot be verified.
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Risk of serious haemorrhage—clarified contraindications apply to all 3 medicines.
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The annual #MedSafetyWeek campaign takes place from 3 to 9 November 2025. This year’s campaign theme is ‘we can all help make medicines safer.’
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…A short course (3 to 7 days) may be used with caution in certain patients with an eGFR of 30 to 44 ml/min/1.73m2…
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Maintenance doses of brolucizumab (after the first 3 doses) should not be given at intervals of less than 8 weeks apart.…
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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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The authorised dose regimen for N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in paracetamol overdose is 3 consecutive bags given intravenously over 21 hours.…
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Quinine should only be considered when cramps cause regular disruption of sleep.
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Before prescribing hormone-replacement therapy, healthcare professionals should consider carefully the potential benefits and risks for every woman
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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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Physicians should remain vigilant for pneumonia and other infections of the lower respiratory tract (ie, bronchitis) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who are treated with inhaled products that contain s…
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Healthcare professionals should advise patients who need re-vaccination with Pneumovax II to expect a more intense reaction than after their first vaccination.
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Updated dosing for paediatric paracetamol liquids has been developed to ensure children receive the optimum dose for their age.