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Prescribers and dispensers should use caution if switching patients between different metolazone preparations as the rate and extent of absorption of metolazone are formulation dependent. This can impact the bioavailability …
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Premature puberty and genital enlargement have been reported in children who were in close physical contact with an adult using topical testosterone and who were repeatedly accidentally exposed to this medicine. To reduce th…
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We ask healthcare professionals to be vigilant to adverse incidents involving software, apps, and artificial intelligence (AI) as medical devices and to report incidents to us via the Yellow Card scheme.
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the December 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 23 January 2022.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines.
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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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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the November 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 8 December 2022.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines.
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Healthcare professionals prescribing dupilumab should be alert to the risks of ocular reactions. New onset or worsening ocular symptoms require prompt review. Referral for ophthalmological examination should be made as appro…
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The MHRA is reviewing its approach to engaging with healthcare professionals on the safety of medicines and medical devices. Through our consultation, you can provide your views and help inform our new approach.
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the October 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 24 November 2022.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines.
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The seventh annual #MedSafetyWeek social media campaign will take place 7 to 13 November 2022 and this year’s focus is the importance of reporting suspected adverse reactions to medicines and vaccines. We are also encouragin…
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the September 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 21 October 2022.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.
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Prescribers and dispensers should use caution if switching patients between different long-acting formulations of methylphenidate (Concerta XL, Medikinet XL, Equasym XL, Ritalin LA, and generics) as different instructions fo…
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The third-line treatment indication for rucaparib has been withdrawn following a review of the findings of the ARIEL-4 trial, which showed lower overall survival for rucaparib treatment versus standard chemotherapy in patien…
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the August 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 23 September 2022.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines
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Use of a nebuliser purchased independently of medical advice for use in the home to deliver nebulised asthma rescue medications to children can mask a deterioration in the underlying disease and may increase the risk of pote…
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the July 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 19 August 2022.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines, and a patient safety alert on mexiletine hydrochloride.
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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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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the June 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 20 July 2022.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines.
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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 have issued a National Patient Safety Alert following serious reports of harm associated with insulin leakage during use of the Accu-Chek Insight Insulin pump with NovoRapid PumpCart prefilled insulin cartridges. Patients…
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the May 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 17 June 2022.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices
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Serious and life-threatening hypercalcaemia has been reported with denosumab 60mg (Prolia) in children and adolescents in clinical trials for osteogenesis imperfecta and during off-label use. Denosumab 60mg (Prolia) is autho…
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the April 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 13 May 2022.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices. Includes a recent recall of Accupro (quinapril hydrochloride) and advice on Xagrid (anagrelide hydrochloride…
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A new study has suggested pregabalin may slightly increase the risk of major congenital malformations if used in pregnancy. Patients should continue to use effective contraception during treatment and avoid use in pregnancy …
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the March 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 14 April 2022.
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A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices. Includes a recent recall of Accuretic (quinapril hydrochloride and hydrochlorothiazide).
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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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Amiodarone has been associated with serious and potentially life-threatening side effects, particularly of the lung, liver, and thyroid gland. We remind healthcare professionals that patients should be supervised and reviewe…
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A large study has shown no safety issues of concern relating to the use of metformin during pregnancy. The licence for metformin now reflects that it can be considered for use during pregnancy and the periconceptional phase …
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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the February 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 11 March 2022
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A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals
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As the safety of COVID-19 antivirals in pregnancy has not been established, please report any pregnancies which occur during use of an antiviral, including paternal use, to the UK COVID-19 Antivirals Pregnancy Registry. This…
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Carefully consider the benefits and risks before prescribing systemic azithromycin or other systemic macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin or clarithromycin) to patients being treated with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine. An…
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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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Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the January 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 11 February 2022.
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A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals.
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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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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 and medicines that has been published since the December 2021 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 13 January 2022.
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A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals.
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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…