Oral lidocaine-containing products for infant teething: only to be available under the supervision of a pharmacist
Oral lidocaine-containing products for infant teething are only to be available under the supervision of a pharmacist so that parents and caregivers can receive guidance about managing infant teething symptoms.
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.
Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in November 2018
A pharmacy-level recall of some valsartan-containing products took place due to possible contamination, including advice to healthcare professionals and information on supply.
Hydrocortisone muco-adhesive buccal tablets: should not be used off-label for adrenal insufficiency in children due to serious risks
Risk of insufficient cortisol absorption and life-threatening adrenal crisis if muco-adhesive buccal tablets are used as adrenal replacement therapy.
Direct-acting antivirals for chronic hepatitis C: risk of hypoglycaemia in patients with diabetes
Monitor glucose levels closely in patients with diabetes during direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C, particularly within the first 3 months of treatment, and modify diabetes medication or doses when necessary.
Emollients: new information about risk of severe and fatal burns with paraffin-containing and paraffin-free emollients
Warnings about the risk of severe and fatal burns are being extended to all paraffin-based emollients regardless of paraffin concentration.
Valproate medicines: are you in 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).