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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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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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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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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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Use only when other antibiotics are unsuitable
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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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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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Safety studies of Spiriva Respimat▼
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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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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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The MHRA has reviewed the evidence for finasteride and dutasteride and the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours and has recommended further measures to minimise this risk.
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We have recently received 2 reports of fatal adverse reactions to the yellow fever vaccine (Stamaril). Due to an increased risk of life-threatening reactions, the vaccine must not be given to anyone with a medical history of thymus dysfunction or who is immunosuppressed.…
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Decreased vitamin B12 levels, or vitamin B12 deficiency, is now considered to be a common side effect in patients on metformin treatment, especially in those receiving a higher dose or longer treatment duration and in those …
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We inform healthcare professionals that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched new guidance to highlight the latest safety advice on the steps to take during anaphylaxis. This new guidanc…
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Healthcare professionals are reminded to inform patients about the common and serious side effects associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs).
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Any healthcare professional can submit a Yellow Card, including students.…
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The Commission on Human Medicines has issued a series of recommendations to strengthen measures to minimise risk with the yellow fever vaccine (Stamaril) following very rare fatal reactions.…
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Reporting suspected adverse reactions experienced by the woman or child associated with medicines taken during pregnancy.
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A standardised pre-vaccination checklist has been introduced to ensure the yellow fever vaccine is indicated for the intended travel destination and to enable vaccinators to identify existing contraindications or precautions in individuals before vaccination.
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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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Healthcare professionals prescribing fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, delafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin) are reminded to be alert to the risk of disabling and potentially long-lasting or irrevers…
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…We ask healthcare professionals to support the campaign and talk to their patients and colleagues about side effects and how to report safety concerns to the Yellow Card scheme.
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The Yellow Card App has been updated to make it easier to use, to have useful new features, and to support reporting a suspected reaction related to medicine exposure during pregnancy. Download the App today and let us know your thoughts.…
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If Fournier’s gangrene is suspected, stop the SGLT2 inhibitor and start treatment urgently (including antibiotics and surgical debridement). Fournier’s gangrene is a rare but potentially life-threatening infection that requi…
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…Every Yellow Card report counts, and a few minutes taken by you or your patient to report can make a lifetime of difference for others – don’t delay, report today!
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The ninth annual #MedSafetyWeek social media campaign is taking place 4 to 10 November 2024.
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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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Pregabalin has been associated with infrequent reports of severe respiratory depression, including some cases without the presence of concomitant opioid medicines. Patients with compromised respiratory function, respiratory …
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…We are also encouraging the reporting of suspected problems with medical devices or other healthcare products to the Yellow Card scheme.…
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A new smartphone app for reporting side effects to the Yellow Card Scheme has now launched.
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If a patient reports persistent symptoms when switching between different levothyroxine tablet formulations, consider consistently prescribing a specific product known to be well tolerated by the patient. If symptoms or poor…
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If an adverse drug reaction is suspected, ask patients if they are taking any herbal or homeopathic medicines and report any suspicions to the Yellow Card scheme.…
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…Show your support by sharing MHRA material on social media, as well as discussing with colleagues and patients how reporting using the Yellow Card scheme helps to improve the safety of vaccines.
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A reminder to healthcare professionals to fill out Yellow Card reports.
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Following a review of the risks associated with use of opioid medicines for non-cancer pain, the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has recommended that fentanyl transdermal patches are contraindicated in opioid-naive patie…
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Be especially alert for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients taking more than one medicine and report any suspected ADRs to the Yellow Card Scheme.…
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Remain vigilant for suspected adverse drug reactions and report them to the Yellow Card scheme.…
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Healthcare professionals who use Vision can now report suspected adverse reactions to MHRA directly through their clinical software.
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We ask healthcare professionals to support new guidance for users of diabetes management equipment, their families, care givers and representatives.
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Systemic fluoroquinolones must now only be prescribed when other commonly recommended antibiotics are inappropriate. This follows a review by the MHRA which looked at the effectiveness of current measures to reduce the ident…
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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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Reporting suspected adverse drug reactions to the Yellow Card Scheme helps to support the safe use of medicines in babies, children, and pregnant and breastfeeding women.…
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Advise patients that naltrexone/bupropion has been associated with adverse reactions such as dizziness or somnolence, which can affect ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform dangerous tasks. Advise patients not to d…
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the September 2021 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 1 October 2021.
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Albumin-bound paclitaxel formulations for infusion (nab-paclitaxel; brand names Abraxane, Pazenir) differ from conventional paclitaxel medicines in their authorised indications, pharmacokinetics, recommended dosages, and pre…
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines that has been published since the July 2021 issue of Drug Safety Update.
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We remind healthcare professionals that elderly patients are at an increased risk of adverse neurological and cardiac effects when being treated with haloperidol for delirium. The lowest possible dose of haloperidol should b…
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We are running a second social media campaign to promote the reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to the Yellow Card Scheme in support of the ADR awareness week taking place 20-24 November 2017.…