tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update Drug Safety Update about Ophthalmology 2025-01-28T14:00:09+00:00 HM Government tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-december-2024 2025-01-28T14:00:09+00:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in December 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-august-2024 2024-09-26T15:00:38+01:00 Letters 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/epimax-ointment-and-epimax-paraffin-free-ointment-reports-of-ocular-surface-toxicity-and-ocular-chemical-injury 2024-07-23T14:01:13+01:00 Epimax Ointment and Epimax Paraffin-Free Ointment: reports of ocular surface toxicity and ocular chemical injury Epimax Ointment and Epimax Paraffin-Free Ointment can harm the eyes if used on the face. Do not prescribe these ointments for use on the face. Tell patients to wash their hands and avoid touching their eyes after using these� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-june-2024 2024-07-23T14:01:07+01:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in June 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-2024 2024-02-20T11:01:30+00:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in January 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-2023 2023-02-27T15:01:51+00:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in January 2023 A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/dupilumab-dupixentv-risk-of-ocular-adverse-reactions-and-need-for-prompt-management 2022-11-29T14:00:26+00:00 Dupilumab (Dupixent�): risk of ocular adverse reactions and need for prompt management Healthcare professionals prescribing dupilumab should be alert to the risks of ocular reactions. New onset or worsening ocular symptoms require prompt review. Referral for ophthalmological examination should be made as appro� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-january-2022 2022-02-15T14:06:11+00:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in January 2022 A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/brolucizumab-beovuv-risk-of-intraocular-inflammation-and-retinal-vascular-occlusion-increased-with-short-dosing-intervals 2022-01-18T13:18:29+00:00 Brolucizumab (Beovu�): risk of intraocular inflammation and retinal vascular occlusion increased with short dosing intervals Maintenance doses of brolucizumab (after the first 3 doses) should not be given at intervals of less than 8 weeks apart. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-december-2021 2022-01-18T13:18:06+00:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in December 2021 A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-november-2021 2021-12-10T11:00:52+00:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in November 2021 A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-october-2021 2021-11-16T14:22:16+00:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in October 2021 A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-september-2021 2021-10-06T12:23:58+01:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in September 2021 A summary of recent letters, medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/chloramphenicol-eye-drops-containing-borax-or-boric-acid-buffers-use-in-children-younger-than-2-years 2021-07-07T17:13:51+01:00 Chloramphenicol eye drops containing borax or boric acid buffers: use in children younger than 2 years Following a review of the available toxicological data and a calculation of daily exposure to boron from a typical dosing regimen, we have concluded that the balance between the benefits and risks of chloramphenicol eye drop� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-may-2021 2021-06-17T10:01:25+01:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in May 2021 A summary of letters and recent medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-april-2021 2021-05-19T13:57:21+01:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in April 2021 A summary of letters and recent medicine recalls and notifications sent to healthcare professionals. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/systemically-administered-vegf-pathway-inhibitors-risk-of-aneurysm-and-artery-dissection 2020-07-31T11:40:50+01:00 Systemically administered VEGF pathway inhibitors: risk of aneurysm and artery dissection Before initiating systemic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway inhibitors, carefully consider the risk of aneurysm and artery dissection in patients with risk factors. In patients who receive a systemic VEGF pa� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-september-2019 2019-10-18T15:38:56+01:00 Medical 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/elmiron-pentosan-polysulfate-sodium-rare-risk-of-pigmentary-maculopathy 2019-09-19T11:40:49+01:00 Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium): rare risk of pigmentary maculopathy Cases of pigmentary maculopathy leading to visual impairment have been reported with pentosan polysulfate, particularly after long-term use at high doses. Ensure patients taking pentosan polysulfate have regular ophthalmic e� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-august-2019 2019-09-19T11:40:19+01:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in August 2019 A letter was sent to advise healthcare professionals about a restriction to the indication and route of administration for Mitomycin-C Kyowa 40 mg following the observation of increased sub-visible particles in the drug prod� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-july-2019 2019-08-19T15:47:40+01:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in July 2019 Letters 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/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-june-2019 2019-07-17T13:34:54+01:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in June 2019 Letters 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-april-2019 2019-05-17T14:53:45+01:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in April 2019 Letters were sent about alemtuzumab (Lemtrada), Selenase (sodium selenite pentahydrate), and Erelzi� (etanercept). tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-march-2019 2019-04-16T15:53:23+01:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in March 2019 Letters 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/fluoroquinolone-antibiotics-new-restrictions-and-precautions-for-use-due-to-very-rare-reports-of-disabling-and-potentially-long-lasting-or-irreversible-side-effects 2019-03-21T11:50:07+00:00 Fluoroquinolone 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-december-2018 2019-01-09T16:30:20+00:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in December 2018 In December 2018, a letter was sent to notify healthcare professionals of the discontinuation of Zovirax (Aciclovir) eye ointment. We also highlight the recent recall of Actavis batches of irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide tabl� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-october-2018 2018-11-14T11:48:53+00:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in October 2018 Letters were sent to healthcare professionals about Jext adrenaline autoinjectors, rivaroxaban, Ozurdex 700 micrograms intravitreal implant, sildenafil, hydrochlorothiazide, and Epilim Chronosphere (sodium valproate). We als� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-september-2018 2018-10-11T11:27:55+01:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in September 2018 A supply disruption alert was issued by the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) on EpiPen and EpiPen Junior; see MHRA advice on extension of use beyond the expiry date for certain batches of EpiPen 300 microgram ad� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-july-2018 2018-08-24T14:56:18+01:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in July 2018 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 � tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medicines-taken-during-pregnancy-please-report-suspected-adverse-drug-reactions-including-in-the-baby-or-child-on-a-yellow-card 2018-07-17T14:35:39+01:00 Medicines taken during pregnancy: please report suspected adverse drug reactions, including in the baby or child, on a Yellow Card 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� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-march-2018 2018-04-24T09:01:02+01:00 Medical Device Alerts issued in March 2018 An alert was issued about T34 ambulatory syringe pumps. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/corticosteroids-rare-risk-of-central-serous-chorioretinopathy-with-local-as-well-as-systemic-administration 2017-08-15T09:23:11+01:00 Corticosteroids: rare risk of central serous chorioretinopathy with local as well as systemic administration Central serous chorioretinopathy is a retinal disorder that has been linked to the systemic use of corticosteroids. Recently, it has also been reported after local administration of corticosteroids via inhaled and intranasal� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-july-2017 2017-08-15T09:22:47+01:00 Letters sent to healthcare professionals in July 2017 Letters were sent about ibrutinib, daclizumab, aflibercept, valproate medicines, and arsenic trioxide. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/cobicistat-ritonavir-and-coadminsitration-with-a-steroid-risk-of-systemic-corticosteroid-adverse-effects 2016-12-14T11:28:40+00:00 Cobicistat, ritonavir and coadministration with a steroid: risk of systemic corticosteroid adverse effects Coadministration of a corticosteroid with an HIV-treatment-boosting agent may increase the risk of adrenal suppression due to a pharmacokinetic interaction. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-april-2016 2016-05-10T15:30:08+01:00 Letters sent to healthcare professionals in April 2016 In April 2016, letters were sent regarding canagliflozin (Invokana�, Vokanamet�), BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors, pomalidomide (Imnovid�), and retigabine (Trobalt) tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/latanoprost-xalatan-increased-reporting-of-eye-irritation-since-reformulation 2015-07-20T11:56:50+01:00 Latanoprost (Xalatan): increased reporting of eye irritation since reformulation Advise patients to tell their health professional if they experience severe eye irritation. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/corticosteroids-e-learning-module-launched 2015-03-30T11:57:32+01:00 Corticosteroids e-learning module launched The new module helps clinicians understand how to identify, manage and avoid side effects when using corticosteroids. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/dorzolamide-hydrochloride-timolol-maleate-cosopt-preservative-free-eye-drops-new-pipette-design 2014-12-11T14:36:37+00:00 Dorzolamide hydrochloride/timolol maleate (Cosopt) preservative-free eye drops: new pipette design Old pipette design withdrawn after reported eye injuries. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/risperidone-and-paliperidone-risk-of-intraoperative-floppy-iris-syndrome-in-patients-undergoing-cataract-surgery 2014-12-11T14:36:06+00:00 Risperidone and paliperidone: risk of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome in patients undergoing cataract surgery Cases of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery have been reported in patients taking the atypical antipsychotics risperidone or paliperidone. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/retigabine-trobalt-indication-restricted-to-last-line-use-and-new-monitoring-requirements 2014-12-11T14:35:13+00:00 Retigabine (Trobalt�): indication restricted to last-line use and new monitoring requirements Reports of pigment changes in ocular tissue, skin, lips or nails. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/off-label-intraocular-use-of-recombinant-tissue-plasminogen-activator 2014-12-11T14:28:28+00:00 Off-label intraocular use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator Risk of intraocular lens opacification. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/off-label-or-unlicensed-use-of-medicines-prescribers-responsibilities 2014-12-11T14:26:23+00:00 Off-label or unlicensed use of medicines: prescribers� responsibilities Healthcare professionals may have more responsibility to accurately prescribe an unlicensed medicine or an off-label medicine than when they prescribe a medicine within the terms of its licence. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/ecoflac-infusion-solutions-risk-of-air-embolism 2014-12-11T14:24:01+00:00 Ecoflac infusion solutions: risk of air embolism To avoid the risk of air embolism, these products should not be infused under pressure.