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Possible increased risk of retinopathy with epoetin beta in premature infants calls for careful consideration of options for preventing anaemia of prematurity.
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Last month, letters were sent regarding ketoprofen gel, fingolimod (Gilenya鈻�) and efavirenz (Sustiva).
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The maximum adult daily dose of hydroxyzine is now 100 mg. Do not prescribe hydroxyzine to people with a prolonged QT interval or risk factors for QT interval prolongation.
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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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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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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The licence-holder of ferumoxytol has voluntarily withdrawn it from the UK market for commercial reasons.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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If you are concerned about advertising you see for a medicine, please report it to MHRA or the industry self-regulatory body.
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Take the risk of cardiovascular side effects into account when prescribing tiotropium delivered via Respimat or Handihaler to patients with certain cardiac conditions, who were excluded from clinical trials of tiotropium (in鈥�
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While this defect is still being investigated, we remind you to always have a full spare cylinder loaded on the delivery device so the cylinders can be switched without delay.
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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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Since November 2014, letters were sent regarding vismodegib (Erivedge 鈻�), chlorhexidine solutions, carbocisteine oral liquid (Mucodyne Paediatric 125mg/5ml), regadenoson (Rapiscan), a parenteral nutrition emulsion (Triomel),鈥�
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A short course (3 to 7 days) may be used with caution in certain patients with an eGFR of 30 to 44 ml/min/1.73m2
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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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If you suspect exfoliative dermatitis caused by an adverse drug reaction to ustekinumab, stop treatment.
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Measure serum immunoglobulin levels if recurrent infections develop. Consider bronchiectasis or pulmonary fibrosis if patients develop persistent respiratory symptoms.
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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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We have simplified our medicine and device incident report systems by bringing them all under the Yellow Card Scheme.
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New advice to minimise risk
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Warn patients and family, monitor patients for signs of depression
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To be used only in patients with acute blood loss and when crystalloids alone are not sufficient.
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Do not use in closed body cavities or on deep or large wounds.
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Reports of reconstituted solution leaking from some models of extension sets and pumps.
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A European review identified baseline markers as predictive factors for morbidity requiring hospitalisation and mortality in cirrhotic patients.
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Reminder to test liver function before and during treatment.
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Available evidence shows that the risk of blood vessel blockage with ponatinib is likely to be dose-dependent, however the data are insufficient to recommend reducing the ponatinib dose.
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We are changing our arrangements for sending out email alerts about Drug Safety Update.
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A European review has considered MHRA evidence together with additional information from spontaneous reporting and published literature.
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We have received reports of Colobreathe (colistimethate sodium) capsules shattering when pierced by their inhaler device.
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Take care to tell people receiving blister packs containing a desiccant that the desiccant should not be swallowed.
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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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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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Basiliximab (Simulect) is indicated for preventing acute organ rejection only for allogeneic renal transplantation in patients receiving organ transplantation for the first time.
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There have been reports of thrombotic microangiopathy and nephrotic syndrome linked to interferon beta treatment.
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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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People now need to have a medical assessment before taking domperidone to determine if it is suitable for them due to the risk of cardiac side effects.
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We are no longer requesting all suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to be reported for children.
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Serious and fatal infusion reactions have occurred with ofatumumab and other anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. We remind you to always give premedication before each ofatumumab infusion. If a severe reaction occurs, interrupt鈥�
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Emergency contraceptives remain suitable for all women regardless of the woman鈥檚 weight or body mass index (BMI).
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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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Use a filter needle when drawing up reconstituted dantrolene solution.
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Emerging clinical trial evidence of increased cardiovascular risk.
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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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Test liver function before and during treatment and tell patients to avoid sunlight exposure.
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Taking zolpidem is associated with a risk of impaired driving ability the next day.