tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-updateDrug Safety Update about Dispensing GP practices2026-05-11T14:29:47+01:00HM Governmenttag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/finasteride-and-dutasteride-updated-safety-warnings-for-psychiatric-side-effects-and-sexual-dysfunction2026-05-11T14:29:47+01:00Finasteride and Dutasteride – updated safety warnings for psychiatric side effects and sexual dysfunctionThe MHRA has reviewed the evidence for finasteride and dutasteride and the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours and has recommended further measures to minimise this risk. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/nasal-decongestant-sprays-and-drops-containing-xylometazoline-hydrochloride-slash-oxymetazoline-hydrochloride-increased-risk-of-rebound-congestion-rhinitis-medicamentosa-and-tachyphylaxis-with-overuse2026-04-30T14:01:45+01:00Nasal decongestant sprays and drops containing xylometazoline hydrochloride / oxymetazoline hydrochloride: increased risk of rebound congestion, rhinitis medicamentosa, and tachyphylaxis with overuse There have been reports of worsening nasal congestion (rebound congestion) when the effects of nasal decongestant sprays or drops containing xylometazoline hydrochloride and oxymetazoline hydrochloride, wear off.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/falsified-mounjaro-kwikpen-15mg-pre-filled-pens2026-02-24T14:00:08+00:00Falsified Mounjaro KwikPen 15mg pre-filled pens A falsified version of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) KwikPen 15mg solution for injection has been found supplied through one online pharmacy in the UK. The falsified product is labelled with batch D873576 and applies to Mounjaro Kw…tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/isotretinoin-changes-to-prescribing-guidance-and-additional-risk-minimisation-measures2026-01-22T16:15:32+00:00Isotretinoin – changes to prescribing guidance and additional risk minimisation measuresThe Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has endorsed changes to the risk minimisation measures for isotretinoin, following a review of the impact of the measures implemented in 2023. We ask healthcare professionals to review…tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/rybelsus-r-semaglutide-tablets-transition-to-new-formulation-and-risk-of-medication-error2025-12-17T14:17:47+00:00Rybelsus ® (semaglutide tablets): transition to new formulation and risk of medication errorThere is a risk of patient harm arising through medication error during a transition period where the original and new formulation of Rybelsus ® tablets, which have different stated mg doses but are bioequivalent, will both …tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/isotretinoin-updates-to-prescribing-guidance-and-survey-of-services2025-10-27T11:00:14+00:00Isotretinoin – updates to prescribing guidance and survey of servicesThe Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has endorsed changes to isotretinoin prescribing guidance. In addition, CHM is seeking further information from dermatology services who prescribe isotretinoin to inform any future cha…tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/number-medsafetyweek-3-9-november-2025-a-call-to-action-to-improve-patient-safety2025-10-23T14:00:13+01:00#MedSafetyWeek (3-9 November 2025): A call to action to improve patient safetyThe annual #MedSafetyWeek campaign takes place from 3 to 9 November 2025. This year’s campaign theme is ‘we can all help make medicines safer.’tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/paracetamol-and-pregnancy-reminder-that-taking-paracetamol-during-pregnancy-remains-safe2025-09-23T17:41:18+01:00Paracetamol and pregnancy - reminder that taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safePatients should be reminded and reassured that there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Paracetamol is recommended as the first-choice pain reliever for pregnant women, used at…tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/fezolinetantv-veoza-risk-of-liver-injury-new-recommendations-to-minimise-risk2025-04-10T12:00:08+01:00Fezolinetant▼(Veoza): risk of liver injury; new recommendations to minimise riskFezolinetant treatment is associated with a risk of drug induced liver injury. New recommendations have been introduced to minimise this risk. Liver function should be monitored before and during treatment in all patients ta…tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/bromocriptine-monitor-blood-pressure-when-prescribing-bromocriptine-for-prevention-or-inhibition-of-post-partum-physiological-lactation2024-10-24T11:00:18+01:00Bromocriptine: monitor blood pressure when prescribing bromocriptine for prevention or inhibition of post-partum physiological lactation A safety review has been conducted by the MHRA following a Yellow Card report concerning a patient who was taking bromocriptine. The review concluded that blood pressure monitoring of patients prescribed with this drug is es…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-july-20242024-08-21T11:00:39+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in July 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-injury2024-07-23T14:01:13+01:00Epimax Ointment and Epimax Paraffin-Free Ointment: reports of ocular surface toxicity and ocular chemical injuryEpimax 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-20242024-07-23T14:01:07+01:00Letters 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/warfarin-be-alert-to-the-risk-of-drug-interactions-with-tramadol2024-06-20T11:11:09+01:00Warfarin: be alert to the risk of drug interactions with tramadolTaking warfarin and tramadol together can cause harmful drug interactions, which can raise the International Normalised Ratio (INR), and result in severe bruising and bleeding, which in some patients could be fatal.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-may-20242024-06-20T11:11:05+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in May 2024A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/codeine-linctus-codeine-oral-solutions-reclassification-to-prescription-only-medicine2024-02-20T11:01:38+00:00Codeine linctus (codeine oral solutions): reclassification to prescription-only medicineAdvice for healthcare professionals on the reclassification of codeine linctus to a prescription-only medicine (POM), following a public consultation. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/pseudoephedrine-very-rare-risk-of-posterior-reversible-encephalopathy-syndrome-pres-and-reversible-cerebral-vasoconstriction-syndrome-rcvs2024-02-20T11:01:34+00:00Pseudoephedrine: very rare risk of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS)There have been very rare reports of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) with pseudoephedrine. 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/isotretinoin-roaccutanev-introduction-of-new-safety-measures-including-additional-oversight-of-the-initiation-of-treatment-for-patients-under-18-years-of-age2023-10-31T10:29:28+00:00Isotretinoin (Roaccutane▼): introduction of new safety measures, including additional oversight of the initiation of treatment for patients under 18 years of ageWe have strengthened the safe use of isotretinoin through the introduction of additional oversight of the initiation of isotretinoin in patients under 18 years and through improved assessment and monitoring of mental health …tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/valproate-dispense-full-packs-of-valproate-containing-medicines2023-10-31T10:29:15+00:00Valproate: dispense full packs of valproate-containing medicinesUnless there are exceptional circumstances, valproate-containing medicines must always be dispensed in the manufacturer’s original full pack. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/fluoroquinolone-antibiotics-suicidal-thoughts-and-behaviour2023-09-26T14:30:19+01:00Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: suicidal thoughts and behaviourHealthcare professionals prescribing fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, delafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin) are reminded to be alert to the risk of psychiatric reactions, including depression and ps…tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-august-20232023-09-26T14:30:07+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in August 2023A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines, and a recent National Patient Safety Alert highlighting the risk of deaths and serious injuries from entrapment or falls relatin…tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/fluoroquinolone-antibiotics-reminder-of-the-risk-of-disabling-and-potentially-long-lasting-or-irreversible-side-effects2023-08-30T10:48:23+01:00Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: reminder of the risk of disabling and potentially long-lasting or irreversible side effectsHealthcare professionals prescribing fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, delafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin) are reminded to be alert to the risk of disabling and potentially long-lasting or irrevers…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/hyoscine-hydrobromide-patches-scopoderm-1-dot-5mg-patch-or-scopoderm-tts-patch-risk-of-anticholinergic-side-effects-including-hyperthermia2023-07-24T13:59:33+01:00Hyoscine hydrobromide patches (Scopoderm 1.5mg Patch or Scopoderm TTS Patch): risk of anticholinergic side effects, including hyperthermia There have been a small number of reports of serious and life-threatening anticholinergic side effects associated with hyoscine hydrobromide patches, particularly when used outside the licence. Healthcare professionals, pati…tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/codeine-linctus-public-consultation-on-the-proposal-to-reclassify-to-a-prescription-only-medicine2023-07-24T13:59:27+01:00Codeine linctus: public consultation on the proposal to reclassify to a prescription-only medicine We have launched a public consultation on the proposal to reclassify codeine linctus to a prescription-only medicine. tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-may-20232023-06-27T13:34:54+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in May 2023A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices and details of two recent MHRA National Patient Safety Alerts to remove from service Philips Health Systems V…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-december-20222023-01-25T13:24:51+00:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in December 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-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-august-20222022-09-26T16:19:15+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in August 2022A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicinestag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/covid-19-vaccines-and-medicines-updates-for-august-20222022-08-23T11:05:50+01:00COVID-19 vaccines and medicines: updates for August 2022Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the July 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 19 August 2022.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-july-20222022-08-23T11:04:18+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in July 2022A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines, and a patient safety alert on mexiletine hydrochloride.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/covid-19-vaccines-and-medicines-updates-for-july-20222022-07-21T11:03:46+01:00COVID-19 vaccines and medicines: updates for July 2022Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the June 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 20 July 2022.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/metformin-and-reduced-vitamin-b12-levels-new-advice-for-monitoring-patients-at-risk2022-06-20T16:39:03+01:00Metformin and reduced vitamin B12 levels: new advice for monitoring patients at riskDecreased vitamin B12 levels, or vitamin B12 deficiency, is now considered to be a common side effect in patients on metformin treatment, especially in those receiving a higher dose or longer treatment duration and in those …tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/roche-accu-chek-insight-insulin-pump-with-novorapid-pumpcart-insulin-cartridges-alert-following-cases-of-insulin-leakage2022-06-20T16:38:53+01:00Roche Accu-Chek Insight insulin pump with NovoRapid PumpCart insulin cartridges: alert following cases of insulin leakage We have issued a National Patient Safety Alert following serious reports of harm associated with insulin leakage during use of the Accu-Chek Insight Insulin pump with NovoRapid PumpCart prefilled insulin cartridges. Patients…tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/covid-19-vaccines-and-medicines-updates-for-june-20222022-06-20T16:38:40+01:00COVID-19 vaccines and medicines: updates for June 2022Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the May 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 17 June 2022.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-may-20222022-06-20T16:38:29+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in May 2022A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devicestag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/denosumab-60mg-prolia-should-not-be-used-in-patients-under-18-years-due-to-the-risk-of-serious-hypercalcaemia2022-05-17T13:11:57+01:00Denosumab 60mg (Prolia): should not be used in patients under 18 years due to the risk of serious hypercalcaemiaSerious and life-threatening hypercalcaemia has been reported with denosumab 60mg (Prolia) in children and adolescents in clinical trials for osteogenesis imperfecta and during off-label use. Denosumab 60mg (Prolia) is autho…tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/covid-19-vaccines-and-medicines-updates-for-may-20222022-05-17T13:11:47+01:00COVID-19 vaccines and medicines: updates for May 2022Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the April 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 13 May 2022.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-april-20222022-05-17T13:11:33+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in April 2022A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices. Includes a recent recall of Accupro (quinapril hydrochloride) and advice on Xagrid (anagrelide hydrochloride…tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/pregabalin-lyrica-findings-of-safety-study-on-risks-during-pregnancy2022-04-19T14:27:52+01:00Pregabalin (Lyrica): findings of safety study on risks during pregnancyA new study has suggested pregabalin may slightly increase the risk of major congenital malformations if used in pregnancy. Patients should continue to use effective contraception during treatment and avoid use in pregnancy …tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/covid-19-vaccines-and-medicines-updates-for-april-20222022-04-19T14:27:39+01:00COVID-19 vaccines and medicines: updates for April 2022Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the March 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 14 April 2022.tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/letters-and-medicine-recalls-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-march-20222022-04-19T14:27:17+01:00Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in March 2022A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices. Includes a recent recall of Accuretic (quinapril hydrochloride and hydrochlorothiazide).tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/amiodarone-cordarone-x-reminder-of-risks-of-treatment-and-need-for-patient-monitoring-and-supervision2022-03-15T14:31:03+00:00Amiodarone (Cordarone X): reminder of risks of treatment and need for patient monitoring and supervisionAmiodarone has been associated with serious and potentially life-threatening side effects, particularly of the lung, liver, and thyroid gland. We remind healthcare professionals that patients should be supervised and reviewe…tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/drug-safety-update/metformin-in-pregnancy-study-shows-no-safety-concerns2022-03-15T14:30:51+00:00Metformin in pregnancy: study shows no safety concerns A large study has shown no safety issues of concern relating to the use of metformin during pregnancy. The licence for metformin now reflects that it can be considered for use during pregnancy and the periconceptional phase …