Darunavir boosted with cobicistat: avoid use in pregnancy due to risk of treatment failure and maternal-to-child transmission of HIV-1

New pharmacokinetic data show mean exposure of darunavir (brand name Prezista) boosted with cobicistat (available in combination in Rezolsta▼, Symtuza▼) to be lower during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy than during 6–12 weeks postpartum.

Pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDI): risk of airway obstruction from aspiration of loose objects

Remind patients to check and remove the mouthpiece cover properly before inhaling a dose and to shake the inhaler to remove loose objects that may have become trapped in the inhaler during storage.

Eltrombopag (Revolade): reports of interference with bilirubin and creatinine test results

If bilirubin and/or creatinine test results are inconsistent with clinical observations, request re-testing using another method to determine the validity of the result.

Parenteral amphotericin B: reminder of risk of potentially fatal adverse reaction if formulations confused

Following receipt of a third case of fatal medication error caused by the administration of Fungizone (a non-lipid-based formulation of amphotericin B) instead of a lipid-based formulation (AmBisome, Abelcet), we remind healthcare professionals that these formulations are not interchangeable.

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.

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).

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.

Posted on the UK MHRA website on 17 July 2018