tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-updateDrug Safety Update about Anaesthesia and intensive care2025-03-12T11:02:10+00:00HM Governmenttag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/prolonged-release-opioids-removal-of-indication-for-relief-of-post-operative-pain2025-03-12T11:02:10+00:00Prolonged-release opioids: Removal of indication for relief of post-operative painThe indication for the treatment of post-operative pain has been removed from the licences of all prolonged release opioids due to the increased risk of persistent post-operative opioid use (PPOU) and opioid-induced ventilat�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/glp-1-and-dual-gip-slash-glp-1-receptor-agonists-potential-risk-of-pulmonary-aspiration-during-general-anaesthesia-or-deep-sedation2025-01-28T14:00:20+00:00GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists: potential risk of pulmonary aspiration during general anaesthesia or deep sedation Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential risk of pulmonary aspiration in patients using GLP-1 or dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists who undergo surgery or procedures with general anaesthesia or deep sedation.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-december-20242025-01-28T14:00:09+00:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in December 2024A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-august-20242024-09-26T15:00:38+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in August 2024 A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-january-20242024-02-20T11:01:30+00:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in January 2024A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-october-20232023-11-23T14:15:26+00:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in October 2023A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-july-20232023-08-30T10:31:08+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in July 2023A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/calcium-chloride-calcium-gluconate-potential-risk-of-underdosing-with-calcium-gluconate-in-severe-hyperkalaemia2023-06-27T13:35:13+01:00Calcium chloride, calcium gluconate: potential risk of underdosing with calcium gluconate in severe hyperkalaemiaCalcium salts (either calcium chloride or calcium gluconate) are used to stabilise the myocardium and prevent cardiac arrest in patients experiencing severe hyperkalaemia. However, the two salts are not equivalent in terms o�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/glucose-solutions-recommendations-to-minimise-the-risks-associated-with-the-accidental-use-of-glucose-solutions-instead-of-saline-solutions-in-arterial-lines2023-05-25T10:53:28+01:00Glucose solutions: recommendations to minimise the risks associated with the accidental use of glucose solutions instead of saline solutions in arterial lines We remind healthcare professionals that accidental use of glucose-containing solutions as flush fluid for arterial lines may contaminate blood samples and result in falsely high glucose readings. This may lead to inappropria�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-april-20232023-05-25T10:53:17+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in April 2023 Recent MHRA National Patient Safety Alerts to remove from service Philips Health Systems V60 and V60 Plus ventilators and to recall Emerade adrenaline auto-injectors from patients, pharmacies and wholesalers. We also provide�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/pholcodine-containing-cough-and-cold-medicines-withdrawal-from-uk-market-as-a-precautionary-measure2023-03-23T14:55:48+00:00Pholcodine-containing cough and cold medicines: withdrawal from UK market as a precautionary measure Advice for healthcare professionals regarding the withdrawal of pholcodine-containing medicines from the market. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-october-20222022-11-29T14:00:08+00:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in October 2022A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-september-20222022-10-25T14:43:16+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in September 2022A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-june-20222022-07-21T11:03:37+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in June 2022A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-march-20212021-04-27T14:22:10+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in March 2021A summary of letters and recent medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-december-20202021-01-07T11:00:06+00:00Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in December 2020A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-november-20202020-12-17T17:08:25+00:00Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in November 2020A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-june-20202020-07-31T11:39:50+01:00Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in June 2020A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-june-20202020-07-31T11:39:15+01:00Medical Device Alerts issued in June 2020A summary of Medical Device Alerts recently issued by the MHRA.
tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-may-20202020-06-29T15:19:54+01:00Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in May 2020A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.
tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-april-20202020-05-21T14:45:31+01:00Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in April 2020A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-march-20202020-04-27T15:59:03+01:00Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in March 2020A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/sglt2-inhibitors-monitor-ketones-in-blood-during-treatment-interruption-for-surgical-procedures-or-acute-serious-medical-illness2020-03-18T14:25:03+00:00SGLT2 inhibitors: monitor ketones in blood during treatment interruption for surgical procedures or acute serious medical illness SGLT2 inhibitor treatment should be interrupted in patients who are hospitalised for major surgical procedures or acute serious medical illnesses and ketone levels measured, preferably in blood rather than urine. Treatment m�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-february-20202020-03-18T14:23:29+00:00Medical Device Alerts issued in February 2020Alerts were issued about CME T34 and T34L (T60) ambulatory syringe pumps, Cardinal Health tympanic thermometers, t:slim X2 insulin pump, and Mavidon skin preparation electrode gels.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-january-20202020-02-12T16:43:17+00:00Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in January 2020 Letters were sent about methotrexate, modafinil, Ecalta, Picato, Nexplanon, valproate medicines, e-cigarettes, and Lemtrada. Alerts were issued about finasteride, codeine/paracetamol, and Picato.
tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-january-20202020-02-12T16:42:52+00:00Medical Device Alerts issued in January 2020Alerts were issued about Convex two-piece skin barriers for use with ostomy bags and HeartStart XL+ defibrillators. A notice was also issued following reports of falsely depressed creatinine results for patients on phenindio�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/e-cigarette-use-or-vaping-reporting-suspected-adverse-reactions-including-lung-injury2020-01-27T15:34:14+00:00E-cigarette use or vaping: reporting suspected adverse reactions, including lung injuryBe vigilant for any suspected adverse reactions associated with use of e-cigarettes or vaping (including lung injury) and report them to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme. In this article we provide UK case definitions of �tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/ondansetron-small-increased-risk-of-oral-clefts-following-use-in-the-first-12-weeks-of-pregnancy2020-01-27T15:33:54+00:00Ondansetron: small increased risk of oral clefts following use in the first 12 weeks of pregnancyRecent epidemiological studies suggest exposure to ondansetron during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with a small increased risk of the baby having a cleft lip and/or cleft palate.
tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-december-20192020-01-27T15:32:31+00:00Medical Device Alerts issued in December 2019Alerts were issued about Arrow EZ-IO intraosseous vascular access needle sets, Medicina IV Luer Slip syringes, and Spectra Optia apheresis systems. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-november-20192019-12-16T12:04:34+00:00Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in November 2019Letters were sent about ranibizumab and Emerade adrenaline auto-injectors. Alerts were issued about ranitidine, paracetamol, omeprazole, mitomycin-C Kyowa, folic acid, and Emerade adrenaline auto-injectors. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-october-20192019-11-21T14:56:35+00:00Medical Device Alerts issued in October 2019Alerts were issued about Rocket and NuSurgix fetal blood sampling (FBS) amnioscopes and kits, Philips Efficia professional-use defibrillators/monitors, and CME T-34 3rd edition syringe driver pumps. A notice was also issued �tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-september-20192019-10-18T15:38:56+01:00Medical Device Alerts issued in September 2019 Alerts were issued about T34 ambulatory syringe pumps, Gripper needles, and 1-day Acuvue Moist for astigmatism contact lenses.
tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/carfilzomib-kyprolis-reminder-of-risk-of-potentially-fatal-cardiac-events2019-08-19T15:47:51+01:00Carfilzomib (Kyprolis�): reminder of risk of potentially fatal cardiac eventsAnti-cancer therapy with carfilzomib has been associated with cases of cardiac arrest, cardiac failure, and myocardial infarction, including in patients without pre-existing cardiac disorders. Monitor patients for signs and �tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-july-20192019-08-19T15:47:40+01:00Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in July 2019Letters were sent about Oncaspar� (pegaspargase), Ketalar (ketamine) injection, and Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium). A recall was issued for several medicines taken out of the regulated medicines supply chain, includin�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-devices-alerts-issued-in-july-20192019-08-19T15:47:29+01:00 Medical Devices Alerts issued in July 2019Alerts were issued about Telefunken automated external defibrillators and BD Microtainer capillary blood specimen collection tubes. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-june-20192019-07-17T13:34:54+01:00Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in June 2019Letters were sent about Myocrisin (sodium aurothiomalate), Cerliponase alfa (Brineura�), Darzalex�(daratumumab), retinoids�, and febuxostat (Adenuric). A recall alert was issued for medicines that were taken out of the regul�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-may-20192019-06-19T14:12:30+01:00Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in May 2019Letters were sent about tofacitinib (Xeljanz�), Trisenox (arsenic trioxide), lapatinib (Tyverb), direct-acting oral anticoagulants, and Lartruvo� (olaratumab). Alerts were issued about Epanutin (phenytoin) oral solution, Mac�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-may-20192019-06-19T14:12:00+01:00Medical Device Alerts issued in May 2019Alerts were issued about paclitaxel drug coated balloons (DCBs) and implantable drug-eluting stents (DESs) in the treatment of patients with peripheral artery disease, and Aisys and Aisys CS2 anaesthesia devices.
tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-april-20192019-05-17T14:53:05+01:00Medical Device Alerts issued in April 2019An alert was issued about Moift Mover 180/205 mobile hoist and Molift Air ceiling hoist.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-march-20192019-04-16T15:53:23+01:00Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in March 2019Letters were sent about Xeljanz� (tofacitinib), ranitidine, Nulojix (belatacept), fluoroquinolone antibiotics, Genvoya�, Stribild�, Tybost, and belimumab (Benlysta�). Drug alerts were issued about Accord losartan potassium c�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-march-20192019-04-16T15:53:15+01:00Medical Device Alerts issued in March 2019Alerts were issued about Pagewriter Cardiographs and Efficia Monitors and Fresenius 5008 & 5008S haemodialysis machines.
tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/fluoroquinolone-antibiotics-new-restrictions-and-precautions-for-use-due-to-very-rare-reports-of-disabling-and-potentially-long-lasting-or-irreversible-side-effects2019-03-21T11:50:07+00:00Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: new restrictions and precautions for use due to very rare reports of disabling and potentially long-lasting or irreversible side effects Disabling, long-lasting or potentially irreversible adverse reactions affecting musculoskeletal and nervous systems have been reported very rarely with fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Fluoroquinolone treatment should be discont�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-february-20192019-03-21T11:49:28+00:00Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in February 2019Letters were sent about Vyxeos (cytarabine, daunorubicin) and Ozurdex 700 micrograms intravitreal implant (dexamethasone). Alerts were issued about irbesartan, amoxicillin, atropine sulfate, and paracetamol infusion.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-february-20192019-03-21T11:49:18+00:00Medical Device Alerts issued in February 2019Alerts issued include important actions for enFlow IV fluid and blood warmers due to a risk of unsafe levels of aluminium leaching from the device. Other alerts were issued on implantable cardiac pacemakers, Accu-Chek Insigh�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/sglt2-inhibitors-reports-of-fournier-s-gangrene-necrotising-fasciitis-of-the-genitalia-or-perineum2019-02-20T08:51:21+00:00SGLT2 inhibitors: reports of Fournier’s gangrene (necrotising fasciitis of the genitalia or perineum) If Fournier’s gangrene is suspected, stop the SGLT2 inhibitor and start treatment urgently (including antibiotics and surgical debridement). Fournier’s gangrene is a rare but potentially life-threatening infection that requi�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-january-20192019-02-20T08:51:12+00:00Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in January 2019Letters were sent to healthcare professionals about Lartruvo� (olaratumab), quadrivalent influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated), SGLT2 inhibitors, and carbimazole and thiamazole (synonym: methimazole)-containing produ�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-january-20192019-02-20T08:51:04+00:00Medical Device Alerts issued in January 2019Alerts were issued about FreeStyle Libre flash glucose sensors and Arjo Minstrel passive floor lifts (portable hoist).tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/valproate-medicines-are-you-in-acting-in-compliance-with-the-pregnancy-prevention-measures2018-12-18T12:44:49+00:00Valproate medicines: are you acting in compliance with the pregnancy prevention measures?Although use of valproate medicines in female patients continues to slowly decline, there is wide variation in prescribing between Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). Women continue to report instances when they have not r�tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/emollients-new-information-about-risk-of-severe-and-fatal-burns-with-paraffin-containing-and-paraffin-free-emollients2018-12-18T12:44:10+00:00Emollients: new information about risk of severe and fatal burns with paraffin-containing and paraffin-free emollientsWarnings about the risk of severe and fatal burns are being extended to all paraffin-based emollients regardless of paraffin concentration. Data suggest there is also a risk for paraffin-free emollients. Advise patients who �tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-november-20182018-12-18T12:42:26+00:00Medical Device Alerts issued in November 2018Alerts were issued about ConvaTec Suction catheters, gastro-enteral tubes, intermittent urology catheters and sterile urine drainage bags, CME T34 ambulatory syringe pumps, and HeartStart MRx monitor/defibrillators.