tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update Drug Safety Update about Urology and nephrology 2024-08-21T11:00:45+01:00 HM Government tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/yellow-card-biobank-call-to-contribute-to-study-of-genetic-links-to-side-effects 2024-08-21T11:00:45+01:00 Yellow Card Biobank: call to contribute to study of genetic links to side effects Support this initiative to explore whether there is a genetic basis of side effects associated with direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and allopurinol. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/finasteride-reminder-of-the-risk-psychiatric-side-effects-and-of-sexual-side-effects-which-may-persist-after-discontinuation-of-treatment 2024-04-29T16:03:17+01:00 Finasteride: reminder of the risk psychiatric side effects and of sexual side effects (which may persist after discontinuation of treatment) A patient alert card is being introduced for men taking finasteride to help raise awareness of the risk of psychiatric side effects and sexual dysfunction, including the potential for sexual dysfunction to persist after trea� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-march-2024 2024-04-29T16:03:09+01:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in March 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-july-2023 2023-08-30T10:31:08+01:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in July 2023 A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/nitrofurantoin-reminder-of-the-risks-of-pulmonary-and-hepatic-adverse-drug-reactions 2023-04-26T11:39:28+01:00 Nitrofurantoin: reminder of the risks of pulmonary and hepatic adverse drug reactions Healthcare professionals prescribing nitrofurantoin should be alert to the risks of pulmonary and hepatic adverse drug reactions and advise patients to be vigilant for the signs and symptoms in need of further investigation. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/xaqua-metolazone-5mg-tablets-exercise-caution-when-switching-patients-between-metolazone-preparations 2023-01-25T13:25:19+00:00 Xaqua (metolazone) 5mg tablets: exercise caution when switching patients between metolazone preparations Prescribers and dispensers should use caution if switching patients between different metolazone preparations as the rate and extent of absorption of metolazone are formulation dependent. This can impact the bioavailability � tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-december-2022 2023-01-25T13:24:51+00:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in December 2022 A 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-august-2022 2022-09-26T16:19:15+01:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in August 2022 A 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-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/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-july-2021 2021-08-16T14:04:43+01:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in July 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-june-2021 2021-07-07T17:13:08+01:00 Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in June 2021 A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals. 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-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-february-2021 2021-03-24T14:27:38+00:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in February 2021 A 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-october-2020 2020-11-16T15:42:11+00:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in October 2020 A 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-august-2020 2020-09-23T14:27:16+01:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in August 2020 A 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-2020 2020-05-21T14:45:31+01:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in April 2020 A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-december-2019 2020-01-27T15:32:31+00:00 Medical Device Alerts issued in December 2019 Alerts 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-2019 2019-12-16T12:04:34+00:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in November 2019 Letters 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/prescribing-medicines-in-renal-impairment-using-the-appropriate-estimate-of-renal-function-to-avoid-the-risk-of-adverse-drug-reactions 2019-10-18T15:40:17+01:00 Prescribing medicines in renal impairment: using the appropriate estimate of renal function to avoid the risk of adverse drug reactions For most patients and most medicines, estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is an appropriate measure of renal function for determining dosage adjustments in renal impairment; however, in some circumstances, the Cockcr� 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/tocilizumab-roactemra-rare-risk-of-serious-liver-injury-including-cases-requiring-transplantation 2019-07-17T13:36:58+01:00 Tocilizumab (RoActemra): rare risk of serious liver injury including cases requiring transplantation Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels should be measured before starting treatment with tocilizumab and monitored every 4�8 weeks for the first 6 months of treatment followed by every 12 � 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/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-june-2019 2019-07-17T13:34:20+01:00 Medical Device Alerts issued in June 2019 An alert was issued about Dialog+ haemodialysis machines. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/belimumab-benlysta-increased-risk-of-serious-psychiatric-events-seen-in-clinical-trials 2019-04-16T15:53:56+01:00 Belimumab (Benlysta�): increased risk of serious psychiatric events seen in clinical trials Clinical trials, including interim findings from a randomised trial, show an increased risk of depression, suicidal ideation or behaviour, or self-injury in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus receiving belimumab comp� 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/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-march-2019 2019-04-16T15:53:15+01:00 Medical Device Alerts issued in March 2019 Alerts 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-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/sglt2-inhibitors-reports-of-fournier-s-gangrene-necrotising-fasciitis-of-the-genitalia-or-perineum 2019-02-20T08:51:21+00:00 SGLT2 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/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-november-2018 2018-12-18T12:42:26+00:00 Medical Device Alerts issued in November 2018 Alerts 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. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/hydrochlorothiazide-risk-of-non-melanoma-skin-cancer-particularly-in-long-term-use 2018-11-14T11:51:04+00:00 Hydrochlorothiazide: risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly in long-term use Advise patients taking hydrochlorothiazide-containing products of the cumulative, dose-dependent risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly in long-term use, and the need to regularly check for (and report) any suspiciou� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/sildenafil-revatio-and-viagra-reports-of-persistent-pulmonary-hypertension-of-the-newborn-pphn-following-in-utero-exposure-in-a-clinical-trial-on-intrauterine-growth-restriction 2018-11-14T11:50:11+00:00 Sildenafil (Revatio and Viagra): reports of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) following in-utero exposure in a clinical trial on intrauterine growth restriction Sildenafil is not authorised for use in pregnancy for the treatment of intrauterine growth restriction. The STRIDER clinical trial, which was studying the use of sildenafil in pregnancy for intrauterine growth restriction, h� 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/xofigo-radium-223-dichloride-new-restrictions-on-use-due-to-increased-risk-of-fracture-and-trend-for-increased-mortality-seen-in-clinical-trial 2018-09-25T14:03:27+01:00 Xofigo� (radium-223-dichloride): new restrictions on use due to increased risk of fracture and trend for increased mortality seen in clinical trial Now only authorised for use in patients with symptomatic bone metastases and no known visceral metastases who have had 2 previous systemic treatments for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer or who cannot receive � tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-drug-alerts-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-august-2018 2018-09-25T14:01:36+01:00 Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in August 2018 Letters were sent about daclizumab beta (Zinbryta�), alteplase (Actilyse), Esmya (ulipristal acetate), and Xofigo� (radium-223-dichloride). MHRA issued alerts and recalls for batches of Nutriflex Omega Special 2500 ml and Nu� 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/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-july-2018 2018-08-24T14:54:33+01:00 Medical Device Alerts issued in July 2018 Alerts were recently issued about Novaline haemodialysis bloodlines used with Baxter/Gambro haemodialysis machines and Alaris and Asena enteral syringe pumps 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/letters-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-june-2018 2018-07-17T14:33:45+01:00 Letters sent to healthcare professionals in June 2018 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). tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-june-2018 2018-07-17T14:32:32+01:00 Medical Device Alerts issued in June 2018 Alerts were recently issued by MHRA about Smiths Medical medication cassette reservoirs, Alaris Smartsite add-on bag access devices, and Combur10 Test UX and Chemstrip 10 A urinalysis test strips. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-april-2018-recent-alert-about-accu-chek-blood-glucose-test-strips 2018-05-24T14:16:33+01:00 Medical Device Alerts issued in April 2018; recent alert about Accu-Chek blood glucose test strips An alert was issued recently about Accu-Chek Aviva, Accu-Chek Performa, and Accu-Chek Inform II test strips � risk of strip error messages and false high and low blood glucose results. An alert was also issued recently about� 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/letters-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-february-2018 2018-03-08T14:21:23+00:00 Letters sent to healthcare professionals in February 2018 Letters were sent about ellaOne, ERWINASE, Eperzan�, Ocaliva�, Velcade, Esmya, and Bleo-Kyowa. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/medical-device-alerts-issued-in-february-2018 2018-03-08T14:21:11+00:00 Medical Device Alerts issued in February 2018 Alerts were recently issued about RUSCH rectal/pharyngeal temperature sensors and Aquilon nebulisers. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/mycophenolate-mofetil-mycophenolic-acid-updated-contraception-advice-for-male-patients 2018-02-06T16:59:45+00:00 Mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid: updated contraception advice for male patients Mycophenolate mofetil and its active metabolite mycophenolic acid, both used to prevent transplant rejection, are teratogenic and genotoxic. The available clinical evidence does not indicate an increased risk of malformation� tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-january-2018 2018-02-06T16:59:25+00:00 Letters sent to healthcare professionals in January 2018 Letters were sent about Buccolam (midazolam), misoprostol vaginal delivery system (Mysodelle), noradrenaline, Relenza (zanamivir), mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid, Flolan, and Fludara. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/recombinant-human-erythropoietins-very-rare-risk-of-severe-cutaneous-adverse-reactions-scars 2018-01-09T10:27:04+00:00 Recombinant human erythropoietins: very rare risk of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) Recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) treatment has been associated with very rare cases of life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necro�