Daclizumab (Zinbryta▼) and risk of severe liver injury: new restrictions to use and strengthened liver monitoring
The use of daclizumab (daclizumab beta) is now restricted to adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis who have had an inadequate response to at least 2 other disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and for whom other DMTs are contraindicated or unsuitable.
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 necrolysis (TEN).
Drug-name confusion: reminder to be vigilant for potential errors
Take particular care when prescribing or dispensing medicines that could be confused with others (ie, they sound-alike or look-alike).
Co-dydramol: prescribe and dispense by strength to minimise risk of medication error
Previously co-dydramol (dihydrocodeine/paracetamol) was available only in the ratio 1:50 (co-dydramol 10/500 mg).
Herbal medicines: report suspected adverse reactions to the Yellow Card Scheme
If an adverse reaction is suspected, ask patients whether they are taking any herbal medicines and discuss with them the importance of reporting this via the Yellow Card Scheme.
Letters sent to healthcare professionals in December 2017
Letters were sent about cladribine (Litak and Leustat), radium-223-dichloride (Xofigo▼), and ERWINASE.
Medical Device Alerts issued in December 2017
Alerts were recently issued about BD Alaris/Asena syringe pumps and Maxter Catheters nasogastric (NG) feeding tubes.