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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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In addition to the 3 risk-based categories of antiepileptic drugs, patient-related factors should be considered when deciding whether it is necessary to maintain continuity of supply for a specific product.
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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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Central serous chorioretinopathy is a retinal disorder that has been linked to the systemic use of corticosteroids. Recently, it has also been reported after local administration of corticosteroids via inhaled and intranasal…
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Letters were sent about ibrutinib, daclizumab, aflibercept, valproate medicines, and arsenic trioxide.
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While an urgent EU-wide review of new information on liver safety is under way, promptly review patients on treatment. Only initiate daclizumab in restricted groups of patients with limited treatment options and keep all pat…
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A summary of letters sent to healthcare professionals, including an important reminder about the withdrawal of retigabine (Trobalt) from the market.
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Babies born to mothers who take valproate medicines (Epilim▼, Depakote▼) during pregnancy have a 30–40% risk of developmental disability and a 10% risk of birth defects. Despite communications to prescribers in January 2015 …
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Healthcare professionals should report any suspected adverse effects relating to fingolimod (Gilenya▼) or other treatments for multiple sclerosis, including suspected adverse effects occurring after discontinuation, via the …
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A summary of letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals in December 2016.
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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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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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In April 2016, letters were sent regarding canagliflozin (Invokana▼, Vokanamet▼), BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors, pomalidomide (Imnovid▼), and retigabine (Trobalt)
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Perform a quantitative serum anti-JCV antibody test—including index value—to support risk stratification for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. For high-risk patients, consider more frequent MRI screening.
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Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy have been reported in patients taking dimethyl fumarate for multiple sclerosis, who all had prolonged lymphopenia.
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The immunomodulatory effects of fingolimod increase the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and opportunistic infections.
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Patients receiving apomorphine and domperidone require an assessment of cardiac risk factors and ECG monitoring to reduce the risk of serious arrhythmia related to QT-prolongation.
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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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In March 2016, letters were sent regarding SGLT2 inhibitors, insulin lispro, natalizumab, noradrenaline, radium-223 dichloride, aflibercept and idelalisib.
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In February 2016, a letter was sent to healthcare professionals regarding medicines containing valproate.
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Children exposed to valproate in utero are at high risk of developmental disorders and congenital malformations. Use the new communication materials below to discuss these risks with patients
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In January 2016, letters were sent to healthcare professionals regarding fingolimod (Gilenya▼) and erlotinib (Tarceva)
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In December 2015, a letter was sent to healthcare professionals regarding Reminyl (galantamine hydrobromide).
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In November, letters were sent regarding thalidomide, mycophenolate mofetil, nicorandil, InductOs, and dimethyl fumarate
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Advise patients to tell their health professional if they experience severe eye irritation.
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Last month, letters were sent regarding ketoprofen gel, fingolimod (Gilenya▼) and efavirenz (Sustiva).
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Check full blood counts before prescribing dimethyl fumarate and then every 6 to 12 months. Stop treatment immediately if you suspect progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
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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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Children exposed in utero to valproate are at a high risk of serious developmental disorders (in up to 30-40% of cases) and/or congenital malformations (in approximately 10% of cases).
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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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There have been reports of thrombotic microangiopathy and nephrotic syndrome linked to interferon beta treatment.
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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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Taking zolpidem is associated with a risk of impaired driving ability the next day.
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Restricted use and new monitoring requirements.
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Old pipette design withdrawn after reported eye injuries.
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Cases of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery have been reported in patients taking the atypical antipsychotics risperidone or paliperidone.
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Not for use in pregnancy unless there is no effective alternative.
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A recent review of the prescribing information has led to strengthened warnings and new measures to help minimise risks.
To minimise the risk of these adverse reactions, mefloquine must not be used for chemoprophylaxis in…
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Different antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) vary considerably in their characteristics, which influences the risk of whether switching between different manufacturers’ products of a particular drug may cause adverse effects or loss…
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Restricted dose and duration of use.
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Reports of pigment changes in ocular tissue, skin, lips or nails.
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Risks such as toxin spread reported mostly with off-label use.
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Repeat enhanced cardiovascular monitoring when restarting fingolimod after treatment interruption,
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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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The non-identical nature of biological medicines and vaccines means it is very important that safety surveillance is carried out on a brand/product-specific basis.
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Concerns over recent years about the use of antipsychotics to treat the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
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New contraindications, warnings, and advice for monitoring.
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Care needed when transferring from unlicensed formulations.
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Recall will begin in September 2011 to allow sufficient time for patients to be switched to suitable alternatives.