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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…
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Monitoring for encephalitis should continue for 12 months following discontinuation of daclizumab. Inform all patients who have discontinued daclizumab and their caregivers of the common symptoms of encephalitis and the need…
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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 …
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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…
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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).
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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.
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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…
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If constipation occurs during treatment with clozapine (Clozaril, Denzapine, Zaponex), it is vital that it is recognised and actively treated.
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There have been reports of cardiac events including QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, and cardiac arrest in patients who have taken high or very high doses of loperamide as a drug of abuse or for self-treatment of opioid…
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We have received reports of depression and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts in men taking finasteride 1 mg (Propecia) for male pattern hair loss. Be aware that depression is also associated with finasteride 5 mg (Proscar).
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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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There is an increased risk that some patients may experience psychiatric symptoms with apremilast, including depression and suicidal thoughts. Stop treatment if patients have new psychiatric symptoms or if existing symptoms …
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A summary of recent letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals, to inform them of updated safety information.
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Possible illicit drug use should be considered when prescribing medicines that have the potential to interact adversely.
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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 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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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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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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Warn patients and family, monitor patients for signs of depression
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Reminder to test liver function before and during treatment.
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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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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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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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Liver function tests should be carried out at treatment initiation, during treatment, and also when the dose is increased.
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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 maximum daily dose restrictions (including in elderly patients), contraindications, and warnings.
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A UK and Europe-wide review of available efficacy and safety data confirmed that reboxetine has benefit over placebo in its authorised indication.
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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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Supporting safer use
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Risks of Nicobrevin outweigh any benefits.
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Reminder to monitor and manage weight, glucose, and lipid levels.
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Differences in dose delivery between the pump device and dropper device for memantine.
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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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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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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 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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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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Use of Antipsychotic may be associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolic events.
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These medicines are not first-line options for insomnia.
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Updated guidance to use methylphenidateto safely and effectively for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children of 6 years or older and adolescents.
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Atomoxetine is associated with treatment-emergent psychotic or manic symptoms in children and adolescents - consider stopping this if symptoms occur.
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Summary report on the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour related to antidepressants.
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To avoid the risk of air embolism, these products should not be infused under pressure.
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Products that contain botulinum toxin are associated with the risk of serious adverse reactions due to distant spread of toxin.