-
Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential for delayed onset of angioedema and the distinction between bradykinin- and histamine-mediated cases, as treatment strategies differ significantly and bradykinin-medi…
-
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…
-
Monitoring for encephalitis should continue for 12 months following discontinuation of daclizumab. Inform all patients who have discontinued daclizumab and their caregivers of the common symptoms of encephalitis and the need…
-
Dental examination and appropriate preventive dentistry should be considered before treatment, especially for patients also treated with an intravenous bisphosphonate.
-
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…
-
Safety studies of Spiriva Respimat▼
-
A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
-
A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
-
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…
-
Clinical trial results suggest an increased risk of atrial fibrillation for zoledronic acid (Aclasta▼), pamidronic acid, and possibly for alendronic acid, although the balance-risk remains favourable for bisphosphonates.
-
There is a risk of rhabdomyolysis if Systemic fusidic acid (Fucidin) is given with statins.
-
With the exception of medicines containing zidovudine, stavudine, or didanosine, product information will no longer include warnings on fat redistribution or lactic acidosis.
-
…Renal function monitoring is recommended after use of zoledronic acid in at-risk patients—especially those with pre-existing renal impairment.…
-
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.
-
Updated guidance on minimising risk of life-threatening and fatal air embolism.
-
A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
-
A clinically significant interaction between carbapenems and valproic acid results in reduced valproate plasma concentrations with potential for inadequate seizure control.…
-
Omniscan and intravenous Magnevist are now no longer authorised for use and a product recall of any existing unexpired stock is underway.
-
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…
-
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.…
-
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 …
-
Benzodiazepines and opioids can both cause respiratory depression, which can be fatal if not recognised in time. Only prescribe together if there is no alternative and closely monitor patients for signs of respiratory depres…
-
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.
-
Healthcare professionals are reminded to inform patients about the common and serious side effects associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs).
-
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 …
-
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…
-
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.’
-
We ask healthcare professionals to support new guidance for users of diabetes management equipment, their families, care givers and representatives.
-
Any healthcare professional can submit a Yellow Card, including students.…
-
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.…
-
Prescribers should be alert for neuropsychiatric reactions in patients taking montelukast and carefully consider the benefits and risks of continuing treatment if they occur.
-
…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!
-
Photosensitivity reactions are known side effects of methotrexate treatment and can be severe. Patients should be advised to take precautions to protect their skin in the sun.
-
…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.
-
The ninth annual #MedSafetyWeek social media campaign is taking place 4 to 10 November 2024.
-
A new smartphone app for reporting side effects to the Yellow Card Scheme has now launched.
-
…We are also encouraging the reporting of suspected problems with medical devices or other healthcare products to the Yellow Card scheme.…
-
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.…
-
A patient alert card is being introduced for men taking finasteride to help raise awareness of the risk of psychiatric side effects and sexual dysfunction, including the potential for sexual dysfunction to persist after trea…
-
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.…
-
…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.
-
Remain vigilant for suspected adverse drug reactions and report them to the Yellow Card scheme.…
-
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.…
-
Healthcare professionals who use Vision can now report suspected adverse reactions to MHRA directly through their clinical software.
-
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…
-
A reminder to healthcare professionals to fill out Yellow Card reports.
-
Carbimazole is associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations, especially when administered in the first trimester of pregnancy and at high doses. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contracep…
-
We are no longer requesting all suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to be reported for children.
-
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…
-
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.