-
Letters were sent to healthcare professionals about Jext adrenaline autoinjectors, rivaroxaban, Ozurdex 700 micrograms intravitreal implant, sildenafil, hydrochlorothiazide, and Epilim Chronosphere (sodium valproate). We als…
-
Provide clear information to patients and caregivers about how to minimise the risk of accidental exposure and the importance of appropriate disposal of patches. We continue to receive reports of unintentional opioid toxicit…
-
A supply disruption alert was issued by the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) on EpiPen and EpiPen Junior; see MHRA advice on extension of use beyond the expiry date for certain batches of EpiPen 300 microgram ad…
-
Alerts were recently issued by MHRA about flex connectors in Halyard closed suction kits; SureSigns VS & VM patient monitors and viewing stations; and Zimmer Biomet trauma guide wires.
-
Valproate medicines must not be used in women of childbearing potential unless the Pregnancy Prevention Programme is in place. If you are involved in the care of female patients on valproate in the UK, see a reminder of acti…
-
Advise patients and their caregivers to seek urgent medical attention if any signs or symptoms of communicating hydrocephalus develop during nusinersen therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. Patients with communicating hydroce…
-
Letters were sent about daclizumab beta (Zinbryta▼), alteplase (Actilyse), Esmya (ulipristal acetate), and Xofigo▼ (radium-223-dichloride). MHRA issued alerts and recalls for batches of Nutriflex Omega Special 2500 ml and Nu…
-
Letters were sent about valproate medicines, atezolizumab (Tecentriq▼), and nusinersen (Spinraza▼). MHRA issued alerts and recalls for valsartan-containing medicines, Fiasp FlexTouch pre-filled pens, melatonin capsules, and …
-
Alerts were recently issued about Novaline haemodialysis bloodlines used with Baxter/Gambro haemodialysis machines and Alaris and Asena enteral syringe pumps
-
New pharmacokinetic data show mean exposure of darunavir (brand name Prezista) boosted with cobicistat (available in combination in Rezolsta▼, Symtuza▼) to be lower during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy than du…
-
Remind patients to check and remove the mouthpiece cover properly before inhaling a dose and to shake the inhaler to remove loose objects that may have become trapped in the inhaler during storage. The mouthpiece cover shoul…
-
Report to the Yellow Card Scheme suspected adverse reactions associated with medicines taken during pregnancy experienced by women or the baby or child. Obstetricians and midwives have a particularly important role in provid…
-
Letters were sent about Cetrotide (cetrorelix acetate), Eperzan▼(albiglutide), darunavir/cobicistat, Keytruda▼ (pembrolizumab), Denzapine (clozapine) 50 mg/mL oral suspension, and Bleo-Kyowa (bleomycin sulphate).
-
New safety recommendations have been issued while an EU review evaluates cases of neural tube defects in babies born to mothers who became pregnant while taking the HIV medicine dolutegravir.
-
Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypercalcaemia after discontinuation of denosumab treatment for giant cell tumour of bone. Cases of rebound hypercalcemia have been reported up to 9 months after cessation of treatm…
-
Use materials online now and hardcopies arriving over the coming weeks by post to ensure women and girls of childbearing potential on valproate medicines meet the requirements of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme.
-
Train patients to place the Braltus capsule in the correct chamber of the Zonda inhaler. We have received reports of patients who have inhaled a Braltus capsule from the mouthpiece into the back of the throat, resulting in c…
-
An alert was issued recently about Accu-Chek Aviva, Accu-Chek Performa, and Accu-Chek Inform II test strips – risk of strip error messages and false high and low blood glucose results. An alert was also issued recently about…
-
Valproate medicines must no longer be used in women or girls of childbearing potential unless a Pregnancy Prevention Programme is in place. Ensure all women and girls (and their parent, caregiver, or responsible person, if n…
-
An alert was issued about T34 ambulatory syringe pumps.
-
Pharmacists should tell people about the risk of fire when they discuss head lice eradication options.
-
Letters were sent about ellaOne, ERWINASE, Eperzan▼, Ocaliva▼, Velcade, Esmya, and Bleo-Kyowa.
-
Alerts were recently issued about RUSCH rectal/pharyngeal temperature sensors and Aquilon nebulisers.
-
Letters were sent about Buccolam (midazolam), misoprostol vaginal delivery system (Mysodelle), noradrenaline, Relenza (zanamivir), mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid, Flolan, and Fludara.
-
Recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) treatment has been associated with very rare cases of life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necro…
-
Alerts were recently issued about BD Alaris/Asena syringe pumps and Maxter Catheters nasogastric (NG) feeding tubes.
-
Some batches of gentamicin sulphate active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) used to manufacture gentamicin may contain higher than expected levels of histamine, which is a residual from the manufacturing process. Monitor pati…
-
Further to our previous advice in 2016, Public Health England have updated their guidance about live vaccination of infants born to a mother who received immunosuppressive biological therapy during pregnancy.
-
A letter was sent about injectable methylprednisolone products containing lactose (Solu-Medrone 40 mg); do not use in patients allergic to cow’s milk proteins.
-
Solu-Medrone 40 mg may contain trace amounts of milk proteins. Do not use in patients with a known or suspected allergy to cows’ milk.
-
Letters were sent in September about Dacogen (decitabine), Eperzan▼(albiglutide), ERWINASE, ReoPro (abciximab), and recombinant human erythropoietins.
-
Alerts were recently issued about Accu-Chek insulin pumps, Astral lung ventilators, and IntelliVue patient monitors used with 12-lead ECG.
-
Letters were sent about INOmax (nitric oxide) cylinders and triptorelin (Decapeptyl).
-
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…
-
It is recommended that 2 adrenaline auto-injectors are prescribed, which patients should carry at all times.
-
Letters were sent about ibrutinib, daclizumab, aflibercept, valproate medicines, and arsenic trioxide.
-
Letters were sent about Arsenic Trioxide (Trisenox), Uptravi▼ (selexipag), DepoCyte (cytarabine), Cinryze▼ (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]), and Clexane (enoxaparin sodium).
-
A summary of letters sent to healthcare professionals, including an important reminder about the withdrawal of retigabine (Trobalt) from the market.
-
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 …
-
A summary of letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals.
-
A summary of letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals in December 2016.
-
Coadministration of a corticosteroid with an HIV-treatment-boosting agent may increase the risk of adrenal suppression due to a pharmacokinetic interaction.
-
A summary of recent safety letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals
-
Patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias should not be treated with riociguat in light of interim results from a recently terminated study.
-
A summary of letters sent to healthcare professionals in July 2016 to inform of safety information for riociguat and for posaconazole.
-
In February 2016, a letter was sent to healthcare professionals regarding medicines containing valproate.
-
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
-
New monitoring instructions to detect these side effects as soon as possible.
-
Possible increased risk of retinopathy with epoetin beta in premature infants calls for careful consideration of options for preventing anaemia of prematurity.
-
Last month, letters were sent regarding ketoprofen gel, fingolimod (Gilenya▼) and efavirenz (Sustiva).