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Mothers who are breastfeeding should not take ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists in the first few weeks after delivery.
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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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High intravenous doses of methylthioninium chloride (methylene blue) should be avoided for patients being treated with serotonergic antidepressants (eg, SSRIs, clomipramine, and venlafaxine).
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Healthcare professionals may have more responsibility to accurately prescribe an unlicensed medicine or an off-label medicine than when they prescribe a medicine within the terms of its licence.
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Advice on how to use cough and cold medicines safely for children under 12 years.
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Updated guidance to use methylphenidateto safely and effectively for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children of 6 years or older and adolescents.
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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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There have been reports of necrotising and haemorrhagic pancreatitis in people taking exenatide some of which were fatal - stop exenatide treatment if pancreatitis is diagnosed.
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Atomoxetine is associated with treatment-emergent psychotic or manic symptoms in children and adolescents - consider stopping this if symptoms occur.
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In 2008 MHRA commissioned Ipsos MORI to research the public’s perception of herbal medicines, the findings may help doctors and pharmacists when considering how to advise patients.
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Toremifene (fareston) is associated with a dose-dependent risk of QT prolongation.
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Generic piperacillin/tazobactam products have different compatibilities with other medicines compared with tazocin, raising a risk of serious medication errors.
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Severe infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions have occurred in patients receiving temsirolimus.
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The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has concluded that oral fluoroquinolone norfloxacin (Utinor) shouldn't be used to treat acute or chronic, complicated pyelonephritis.
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Toxic effects can occur with nitrous oxide especially with prolonged use.
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New warnings and contraindications for ergot-derived dopamine agonists due to risk of fibrosis associated with chronic use.
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Use the central alerting system to view and search new alerts, as well as past alerts that were issued through the public health link and safety alert broadcast system.
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MHRA has received reports of unintentional overdose of fentanyl due to dosing errors, accidental exposure, and exposure of the patch to a heat source.
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Patients with cancer who received recombinant human erythropoietins in clinical trials had an increased risk of tumour progression and reduced overall survival compared with study controls.
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Antiepileptic treatment is associated with a small risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour.
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Do not prescribe etoricoxib to patients whose blood pressure is persistently above 140/90 mmHg and inadequately controlled.
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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.
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Licensed doses and differences in potency between different inhaled corticosteroids; advice for use with spacer device.
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Do not prescribe ergots to patients who have had fibrosis in the heart, lungs, or abdomen.
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Updated information on supply and clinical advice on enoxaparin (Clexane) pre-filled syringes, contaminated with over-sulphated-chondroitin sulphate (OSCS).
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Nicorandil is associated with a risk of gastrointestinal ulceration including perianal ulceration.
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Healthcare professionals should monitor the use and safety of antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV as they are advanced.
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Most herbal medicines on the UK market are currently unlicensed products and it is difficult for consumers or healthcare professionals to identify which products are manufactured to acceptable standards with reliable product…
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Latest evidence suggests long-term use of combined oral contraceptives or progestogen-only injectable contraceptives is associated with a small increased risk of cervical cancer.
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New study shows use of oral contraceptives reduces risk of ovarian cancer.
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Summary report on the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour related to antidepressants.
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Updated guidance on the supply and administration of Botox, Vistabel, Dysport, and other injectable medicines used in cosmetic procedures.
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Patients who take telbivudine and pegylated interferon are at increased risk of peripheral neuropathy and should stop taking both medicines if symptoms occur.
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Tazocin (piperacillin/tazobactam) has been reformulated to meet European Pharmacopoeia requirements on particle size.
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A similar biological medicinal product (biosimilar) is a new biological product that has been developed to be similar to an existing biological product (“reference” product).
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Marketing authorisations for carisoprodol are to be suspended after a European review concluded that the risks of treatment outweigh the benefits.
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MHRA has found samples of intensive body lotion with aloe vera (OSAS) to contain corticosteroid betamethasone.
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Long-acting β2 agonists (LABA) should only be prescribed in conjunction with inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of moderate to severe asthma.
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Incorrect dosage of bivalirudin in percutaneous coronary intervention can lead to major adverse cardiac events.
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Paraffin based products such as white soft paraffin can set on fire easily.
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Detailed recommendations for dose restrictions when used with some other drugs as interactions may increase the risk of adverse effects, or reduce the effectiveness of statin treatment.
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Advice for healthcare professionals on potentially fatal outcomes of oral anticancer medicines if they are not prescribed, dispensed or administered properly.
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Healthcare professionals are encouraged to report all suspected adverse reactions (ADRs) on the yellow card porftal to melt formulations of desmopressin.
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Use in women who are planning pregnancy should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, in which case the potential risks and benefits should be discussed
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Patients should use the lowest effective dose, and the shortest duration of treatment necessary to control symptoms.
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Over-correction of haemoglobin concentration may increase the risk of death and serious cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease; it may increase the risk of thrombosis and related complications in patie…
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We have recently advised that talc preparations for pleurodesis are to be considered as medicinal products.
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Breastfed babies might very rarely develop side-effects due to the presence of morphine in breast milk.
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Co-proxamol's phased withdrawal period lasts until the end of 2007 to enable patients to move to suitable alternatives.
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Patients with epilepsy should not take products that contain St John’s wort as any antiepileptic medicine may interact with St John’s wort.