drug_safety_update documents

  1. Domperidone: new contraindication in patients with phaeochromocytoma due to the risk of severe hypertension
  2. Botulinum toxin type A products: updated warnings regarding risk of iatrogenic botulism
  3. Finasteride and Dutasteride – updated safety warnings for psychiatric side effects and sexual dysfunction
  4. ACE-inhibitors: Be aware of the distinction between bradykinin- and histamine-mediated angioedema, as treatment strategies differ significantly
  5. Metformin and reduced vitamin B12 levels: new advice for monitoring patients at risk
  6. Quinine: not to be used routinely for nocturnal leg cramps
  7. GLP-1 receptor agonists: reminder of the potential side effects and to be aware of the potential for misuse
  8. Nitrofurantoin: reminder of the risks of pulmonary and hepatic adverse drug reactions
  9. Citalopram and escitalopram: QT interval prolongation
  10. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: reminder of the risk of disabling and potentially long-lasting or irreversible side effects
  11. Topiramate (Topamax): introduction of new safety measures, including a Pregnancy Prevention Programme
  12. GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists: strengthened warnings on acute pancreatitis, including necrotising and fatal cases
  13. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: must now only be prescribed when other commonly recommended antibiotics are inappropriate
  14. Pregabalin (Lyrica): reports of severe respiratory depression
  15. Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus): risk of Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)
  16. Levothyroxine: new prescribing advice for patients who experience symptoms on switching between different levothyroxine products
  17. Nasal decongestant sprays and drops containing xylometazoline hydrochloride / oxymetazoline hydrochloride: increased risk of rebound congestion, rhinitis medicamentosa, and tachyphylaxis with overuse
  18. Falsified Mounjaro KwikPen 15mg pre-filled pens
  19. Rybelsus ® (semaglutide tablets): transition to new formulation and risk of medication error
  20. Paracetamol and pregnancy - reminder that taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe
  21. Abrysvo▼ (Pfizer RSV vaccine) and Arexvy▼ (GSK RSV vaccine): be alert to a small risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome following vaccination in older adults
  22. Off-label or unlicensed use of medicines: prescribers’ responsibilities
  23. Emollients and risk of severe and fatal burns: new resources available
  24. Over-the-counter painkillers containing codeine or dihydrocodeine
  25. Improving Information Supplied with Gabapentinoids (Pregabalin/Gabapentin), Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs
  26. SGLT2 inhibitors: reports of Fournier’s gangrene (necrotising fasciitis of the genitalia or perineum)
  27. Short-acting beta 2 agonists (SABA) (salbutamol and terbutaline): reminder of the risks from overuse in asthma and to be aware of changes in the SABA prescribing guidelines
  28. Methotrexate: advise patients to take precautions in the sun to avoid photosensitivity reactions
  29. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: new restrictions and precautions for use due to very rare reports of disabling and potentially long-lasting or irreversible side effects
  30. Valproate use in men: as a precaution, men and their partners should use effective contraception
  31. Isotretinoin – changes to prescribing guidance and additional risk minimisation measures
  32. SGLT2 inhibitors: updated advice on the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis
  33. Vitamin B12 (hydroxocobalamin, cyanocobalamin): advise patients with known cobalt allergy to be vigilant for sensitivity reactions
  34. Antiepileptic drugs: updated advice on switching between different manufacturers’ products
  35. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors: new measures to reduce risks of major cardiovascular events, malignancy, venous thromboembolism, serious infections and increased mortality
  36. Epimax Ointment and Epimax Paraffin-Free Ointment: reports of ocular surface toxicity and ocular chemical injury
  37. Tacrolimus ointment (Protopic): possible risk of malignancies including lymphomas and skin cancers
  38. Montelukast (Singulair): reminder of the risk of neuropsychiatric reactions
  39. Paracetamol: updated dosing for children to be introduced
  40. Statins: interactions, and updated advice for atorvastatin
  41. Amiodarone: reminder of risks of treatment and need for patient monitoring and supervision
  42. Adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs): new guidance and resources for safe use
  43. Finasteride: reminder of the risk psychiatric side effects and of sexual side effects (which may persist after discontinuation of treatment)
  44. Montelukast: reminder of the risk of neuropsychiatric reactions
  45. Etoricoxib (Arcoxia): revised dose recommendation for rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
  46. Domperidone: risks of cardiac side effects
  47. Hydrochlorothiazide: risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly in long-term use
  48. Fezolinetant▼(Veoza): risk of liver injury; new recommendations to minimise risk
  49. The Black Triangle Scheme (▼ or ▼*)
  50. Valproate Pregnancy Prevention Programme: actions required now from GPs, specialists, and dispensers