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Previously co-dydramol (dihydrocodeine/paracetamol) was available only in the ratio 1:50 (co-dydramol 10/500 mg). Two products are now available with a higher strength of dihydrocodeine (co-dydramol 20/500 mg and 30/500 mg t…
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Quinine has dose-dependent QT-interval-prolonging effects and should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation or in those with atrioventricular block.
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Gabapentin has been associated with a rare risk of severe respiratory depression even without concomitant opioid medicines. Patients with compromised respiratory function, respiratory or neurological disease, renal impairmen…
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Coadministration of a corticosteroid with an HIV-treatment-boosting agent may increase the risk of adrenal suppression due to a pharmacokinetic interaction.
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Prescribing information has been updated to introduce a lower recommended dose of 60 mg daily for patients with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
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A summary of letters sent to healthcare professionals in September 2016, including important information for professionals who specialise in epilepsy treatment regarding the withdrawal from the market of retigabine (Trobalt).
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Following an EU wide review of meprobamate, the remaining licence holder in the UK has ceased manufacturing and the licence will be cancelled by the end of 2016.
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EU review confirms that the cardiovascular risk of high-dose ibuprofen (≥2400mg/day) is similar to COX 2 inhibitors and diclofenac.
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Do not use codeine in children under 12 as it is associated with a risk of respiratory side effects. Codeine is not recommended for adolescents (12 to 18) who have problems with breathing.
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The new module helps clinicians understand how to identify, manage and avoid side effects when using corticosteroids.
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We remind you that a new offence will be enforced from 2 March 2015 in England and Wales. Talk to patients who are on medicines with potential to impair driving and discuss the patient leaflet advice.
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Oral diclofenac is associated with a small increased risk of cardiovascular side effects and is therefore no longer available over the counter.
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Aceclofenac is now contraindicated in patients with certain established cardiovascular diseases.
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The new offence introduced in July does not apply in Northern Ireland nor replace any existing offences of driving.
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The Department for Transport has introduced a new offence of driving with certain controlled drugs above specified limits in the blood; this is likely to come into force on 2 March 2015.
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We remind you to provide clear information to patients and caregivers regarding risk of accidental patch transfer and ingestion of patches, and need for appropriate disposal of patches.
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Public consultation launched on the continued availability of oral diclofenac as a pharmacy (P) medicine and on risk-minimisation measures advised by the Commission on Human Medicines.
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Restricted dose and duration of use.
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Codeine should only be used to relieve acute moderate pain in children older than 12 years and only if it cannot be relieved by other painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone.
Furthermore, a significant risk of se…
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New recommendations after a Europe-wide review of cardiovascular safety.
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Safety review initiated following post-surgical fatalities in ultra-rapid metabolisers
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Risk of serious skin-related adverse drug reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, occurring with carbamazepine may be increased in the presence of the HLA-A*3101 allele in patients of European descent or Japanese orig…
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Further evidence that the cardiovascular risk with diclofenac is higher than other non-selective NSAIDs and similar to the selective COX-2 inhibitors.
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New simplified guidance on treating paracetamol overdose with intravenous acetylcysteine including an updated treatment nomogram.
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Reminder that paediatric paracetamol liquids had been developed to ensure children receive optimum dosing for their age.
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Supporting safer use
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Updated dosing for paediatric paracetamol liquids has been developed to ensure children receive the optimum dose for their age.
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(Dextro)propoxyphene can have serious effects on the electrical activity of the heart (resulting in prolongation of the P-R and Q-T intervals, and widened QRS complexes), even at normal therapeutic doses.
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European Medicines Agency says further measures should be put in place to minimise the risk of adverse skin reactions.
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Risk of accidental overdose, particularly in infants and neonates.
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The tighter controls being introduced to minimise risk of overuse and or addiction of painkillers containing codeine or dihydrocodeine.
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Use of has led to serious paracetamol overdose in a 6-month-old infant.
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A reminder for those who use topical ketoprofen to avoid direct sunlight, ultraviolet rays, sunbeds or sunlamps.
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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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You should take caution when you use NSAIDs in patients with renal impairment or are at risk.
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Toxic effects can occur with nitrous oxide especially with prolonged use.
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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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Do not prescribe etoricoxib to patients whose blood pressure is persistently above 140/90 mmHg and inadequately controlled.
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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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Patients should use the lowest effective dose, and the shortest duration of treatment necessary to control symptoms.
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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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MHRA continues to identify cases of herbal medicines, particularly traditional Chinese medicines, which contain illegal and toxic Aristolochia or aristolochic acids.
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To avoid the risk of air embolism, these products should not be infused under pressure.
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Systemic piroxicam should be initiated only by specialists as a second-line treatment for arthritis, with patients who currently take piroxicam reassessed at a routine appointment.
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Prescribing advice should be followed carefully, particularly recommended upper dose limits due to associated higher gastrointestinal risk than most other NSAIDs in the class.