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Paraffin based products such as white soft paraffin can set on fire easily.…
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Smoking or a naked flame could cause patients’ dressings or clothing to catch fire when being treated with paraffin-based emollient that is in contact with the dressing or clothing.
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Epimax Ointment and Epimax Paraffin-Free Ointment can harm the eyes if used on the face. Do not prescribe these ointments for use on the face. Tell patients to wash their hands and avoid touching their eyes after using these products.
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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.…
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We inform healthcare professionals of the recent campaign to promote awareness of the risk and new resources available to support safe use following previous advice to health and care professionals.
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Linezolid is not active against infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens, and treatment should be started only after specialist microbiological advice.
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Use only when other antibiotics are unsuitable
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Letters were sent to healthcare professionals about Lartruvo▼ (olaratumab), quadrivalent influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated), SGLT2 inhibitors, and carbimazole and thiamazole (synonym: methimazole)-containing produ…
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The ANNOUNCE study failed to show clinical efficacy for olaratumab in its current indication of advanced soft tissue sarcoma and the benefit risk balance is therefore now considered negative. No new patients should be started on olaratumab therapy.…
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If eosinophilic pneumonia is suspected, daptomycin should be discontinued immediately and if appropriate the patient treated with corticosteroids.
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Levofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone antibiotic) is unfavourable as first-line treatment for several indications.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices
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Reports of acquired haemophilia have been received in association with clopidogrel.
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Safety studies of Spiriva Respimat▼
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…If thin, translucent or white-to-yellow proteinaceous strands (1–2 mm in length) are visible, filtration is advised.
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Take the risk of cardiovascular side effects into account when prescribing tiotropium delivered via Respimat or Handihaler to patients with certain cardiac conditions, who were excluded from clinical trials of tiotropium (in…
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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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Risk of aseptic peritonitis with Dianeal, Extraneal, and Nutrineal peritoneal dialysis solutions due to possible presence of endotoxin.
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Alerts were issued about CME T34 and T34L (T60) ambulatory syringe pumps, Cardinal Health tympanic thermometers, t:slim X2 insulin pump, and Mavidon skin preparation electrode gels.
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Spontaneous reporting on the Yellow Card portal has provided important information in the identification of PML associated with some drugs.
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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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Letters were sent about Insuman insulin products, mecasermin, and valproate medicines. Recalls were issued about ranitidine medicines and Paclitaxel.
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Routine monitoring of liver function now recommended.
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Letters were sent about quadrivalent influenza vaccine, fentanyl ampoules, and Volibris (ambrisentan), and a number of pharmacy-level recalls were issued for ranitidine-containing products. Other alerts issued in October 201…
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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.
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Avoid treatment with febuxostat in patients with pre-existing major cardiovascular disease (for example, myocardial infarction, stroke, or unstable angina), unless no other therapy options are appropriate. Findings from a ph…
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We have initiated a new safety review into topiramate as a result of an observational study reporting an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities in children whose mothers took topiramate during pregnancy.
Topir…
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Liver monitoring requirements for cladribine in the treatment of multiple sclerosis have been introduced following uncommon cases of serious liver injury. Advise patients to seek urgent medical attention if they develop any …
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A review of the benefits and risks of alemtuzumab (including fatal reactions) in the treatment of multiple sclerosis has now concluded and recommended a revised indication, additional contraindications, and strengthened moni…
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Cases of serious liver injury with elevated transaminases and bilirubin have been reported during treatment with Kaftrio–Kalydeco combination therapy. In all patients, measure alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminot…
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Caution is required if prescribing febuxostat in patients with pre-existing major cardiovascular disease, particularly, in those with evidence of high urate crystal and tophi burden or those initiating urate-lowering therapy…