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Patients should be transferred to alternative bronchodilator therapy.
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Risk of accidental overdose, particularly in infants and neonates.
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Infusion reactions and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported commonly during treatment with Avastin.
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Medication errors and inappropriate use of the rivastigmine transdermal patch have been reported, some of which resulted in overdose. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the correct use of rivastigmine, and should ad…
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Quinine should only be considered when cramps cause regular disruption of sleep.
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Best practice example of a patient information leaflet.
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New reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis) in patients receiving panitumumab, some of which were fatal.
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Healthcare professionals should be aware of epidemiological data showing a small increased risk of fractures associated with the use of TCAs and SSRIs, and should take this risk into account in their discussions with patient…
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A clinically significant interaction between carbapenems and valproic acid results in reduced valproate plasma concentrations with potential for inadequate seizure control. Concomitant use of these agents is not recommended,…
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Epidemiological data suggest that the use of SSRIs in pregnancy, particularly in the later stages, may increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to enquire…
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There is an increased risk of myopathy associated with high-dose (80 mg) simvastatin. The 80-mg dose should be considered only in patients with severe hypercholesterolaemia and high risk of cardiovascular complications who h…
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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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There is a potential risk of fatal overdose due to confusion between lipid-based and non-lipid-based formulations of parenteral amphotericin B. These formulations are not interchangeable: prescribers, pharmacists, and nurses…
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In light of the most recent evidence, the previous advice on the concomitant use of clopidogrel with proton pump inhibitors has now been modified. Use of either omeprazole or esomeprazole with clopidogrel should be discourag…
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The solvent used in the preparation of Rifadin infusion has been reformulated. As a result, it can only be diluted with either dextrose 5% solution or sodium chloride 0·9% solution
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Contraindicated in patients with any known current cancer
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NHS Evidence Accreditation Scheme recognises organisations that demonstrate high standards in producing health or social care guidance.
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The risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) with natalizumab increases after 2 years of therapy. Patients with multiple sclerosis should be informed of the risk before treatment, and again after 2…
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Needs a summary
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Recent epidemiological evidence suggests a possible small increased risk of congenital cardiac defects in association with fluoxetine in early pregnancy, similar to that seen with paroxetine. There are insufficient data to d…
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received 35 reports of chondrolysis involving patients given continuous intra-articular infusions of local anaesthetics.
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Risk of intraocular lens opacification.
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A recent Europe-wide review of the safety information for alli has led to a number of updates, which bring the product information in line with that for Xenical.
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Extension of the indication for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to include harm reduction.
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Evidence indicates risks outweigh benefits.
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No unexpected new safety issues have been identified from Yellow Card reports.
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Gadolinium-containing contrast agents are associated with a varying degree of risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. See advice below to minimise risk in the following vulnerable groups: patients with renal impairment; patie…
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The design and content of the Patient Information Leaflets for methylphenidate products are being updated with the latest guidance on safe and effective use for patients and carers
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If patients are known to be HLA-B*1502-positive, phenytoinshould be avoided when alternative therapy can be given.
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Patients should be advised to promptly report to their doctor any changes in their breast tissue such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge.
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A case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) with a fatal outcome was reported in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who had not previously received treatment with methotrexate or a TNF antagonist.
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We continue to receive a substantial number of serious and fatal adverse event reports for warfarin through our Yellow Card Scheme.
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Batches of this medicine are being recalled from the market because of low levels of microbial contamination.
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Cases of severe hypersensitivity syndromes, sometimes fatal, have been reported with etravirine.
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Reminder on risk of serious and fatal toxicity in overdose.
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A certification mark has been designed and launched as an additional visible symbol.
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All patients with cancer should have a dental check-up before bisphosphonate treatment.
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Mixing drugs together, where one is not a vehicle for the administration of the other, creates an unlicensed medicine.
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Patients who require a liquid oral formulation of a β-agonist should be switched to a more-selective short-acting β2-agonist such as salbutamol or terbutaline.
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There is no known interaction between oseltamivir and aspirin but aspirin must not be given to anyone younger than 16 year.
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If new movement disorders occur during treatment consider dose reduction or a gradual discontinuation of treatment in consultation with specialist advice.
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Healthcare professionals should be aware of the updated information so they can discuss it with new and existing patients.
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Updated advice for healthcare professionals not to mix or infuse ceftriaxone with solutions containing calcium.
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Doses of theophylline, fluvoxamine, caffeine, coumarins including warfarin and the antipsychotics clozapine and olanzapine may have to be altered.
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The human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation programme is now entering its second year and this article summarises the safety experience to date.
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The study found no clear evidence that varenicline was associated with an increased risk of fatal or non-fatal self-harm.
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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 tighter controls being introduced to minimise risk of overuse and or addiction of painkillers containing codeine or dihydrocodeine.
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The European Medicines Agency has advised that no change in recommendations for use is required at present.
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How to reduce risk of illicit use.