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The most important risk factors for uterine perforation are insertion during lactation and insertion in the 36 weeks after giving birth. Before inserting an IUS or IUD, inform women of the risk and the symptoms of perforatio…
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Several new high strength insulin products are now on the market. The European Medicines Agency is consulting on guidance to minimise the risk of medication error.
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Last month, letters were sent regarding ketoconazole HRA and radium-223 dichloride (Xofigo).
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The licence-holder of ferumoxytol has voluntarily withdrawn it from the UK market for commercial reasons.
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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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Since November 2014, letters were sent regarding vismodegib (Erivedge ▼), chlorhexidine solutions, carbocisteine oral liquid (Mucodyne Paediatric 125mg/5ml), regadenoson (Rapiscan), a parenteral nutrition emulsion (Trio…
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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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From October 2014 Dexamethasone 4 mg/ml injection (Organon Laboratories Limited) will be replaced by Dexamethasone 3.8 mg/ml solution for injection (Aspen Pharma Trading Limited).
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Minimising the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw; monitoring for hypocalcaemia.
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New recommendations are being introduced to minimise the risk of serious hypersensitivity reactions with ferumoxytol.
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Emergency contraceptives remain suitable for all women regardless of the woman’s weight or body mass index (BMI).
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New warnings due to risk of hyperkalaemia, hypotension, and impaired renal function have been agreed following an EU-wide review.
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Reporting suspected adverse reactions experienced by the woman or child associated with medicines taken during pregnancy.
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Non-hormonal or progestogen-only contraception should be considered in some situations.
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St John’s wort interacts with hormonal contraceptives reducing the effectiveness and increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancy.
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Restricted indication and new monitoring requirements.
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A review of the latest evidence on the risk of thromboembolism advises to consider risk factors and remain vigilant for signs and symptoms.
- the risk of blood clots with all low-dose CHCs is small
- there is good evid…
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Not for use in pregnancy unless there is no effective alternative.
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Use has been restricted to 48 hours’ maximum parenteral use under specialist supervision, after a European safety review.
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Clarification of advice on new recommendations regarding initial test dose.
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All products to be named and prescribed as caffeine citrate.
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New strengthened recommendations to manage and minimise risk.
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The risk of foetal malformation with oral retinoids is extremely high, even when used at a low dose or for a short time during pregnancy. All oral retinoids have an associated Pregnancy Prevention Programme (PPP), which is s…
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Updated prescribing advice provided.
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Recent interruption to the supply of liothyronine 20 microgram tablets from Amdipharm Mercury.
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liver-function testing recommended in patients with symptoms that may indicate liver injury.
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Care needed to minimise risk of error, including training for patients.
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The maximum recommended dose for simvastatin in conjunction with amlodipine and diltiazem is now 20 mg/day.
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There have been reports of acute pancreatitis associated with drugs in the dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class of antidiabetic agents (‘gliptins’).
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Calcitonin-containing medicines should no longer be used in treatment of osteoporosis.
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Updated contraindications and maximum dose recommendations when taken with a number of other medicines.
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Careful monitoring of serum sodium important, co-administration of other drugs that may increase serum sodium not recommended.
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Following a review by the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), the marketing authorisation (licence) for levothyroxine 100 microgram tablets manufactured by Teva has been suspended.
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Evidence does not support any increased risk of cancer in patients who use these medicines.
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Studies of cardiovascular risk don’t support prescribing changes.
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Risk of extrapyramidal effects or withdrawal symptoms (or both) in newborns after maternal use of antipsychotics during the third trimester of pregnancy.
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Use of pioglitazone is associated with a small increased risk of bladder cancer. Healthcare professionals should be aware of new warnings and precautions for use in at-risk patients
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Risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) for drospirenone-containing combined oral contraceptives (COCs), including Yasmin, is higher than for levonorgestrel-containing COCs.
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Atypical femoral fractures reported rarely with bisphosphonate therapy, mainly in patients receiving long-term treatment for osteoporosis.
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If pioglitazone is used in combination with insulin patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure, weight gain, and oedema.
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Insufficient evidence to confirm a link between oral bisphosphonate use and an increased risk of oesophageal cancer.
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All healthcare professionals trained in inserting Implanon must make sure they are trained in using Nexplanon before the changeover.
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Suspension of the marketing authorisations of rosiglitazone (Avandia, Avandamet) recommended across the European Union.
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Aluminium can be leached from glass after contact with calcium gluconate solution, leading to a risk of exposure to aluminium. Accumulation of aluminium might have adverse effects on bone mineralisation and neurological deve…
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Zoledronic acid is associated with reports of renal impairment and renal failure, especially in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction or other risk factors. Renal function should be measured before each dose, and pati…
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Contraindicated in patients with any known current cancer
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All patients with cancer should have a dental check-up before bisphosphonate treatment.
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Patients with existing meningioma or a history of meningioma must not be prescribed high-dose (≥25 mg per day) cyproterone acetate.
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The European Medicines Agency has advised that no change in recommendations for use is required at present.