Dolutegravir (Tivicay▼, Triumeq▼, Juluca▼): signal of increased risk of neural tube defects; do not prescribe to women seeking to become pregnant; exclude pregnancy before initiation and advise use of effective contraception
New safety recommendations have been issued while an EU review evaluates cases of neural tube defects in babies born to mothers who became pregnant while taking the HIV medicine dolutegravir.
Denosumab (Xgeva▼) for giant cell tumour of bone: risk of clinically significant hypercalcaemia following discontinuation
Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypercalcaemia after discontinuation of denosumab treatment for giant cell tumour of bone.
Denosumab (Xgeva▼) for advanced malignancies involving bone: study data show new primary malignancies reported more frequently compared to zoledronate
A pooled analysis has shown an increased rate of new primary malignancies in patients given Xgeva (1-year cumulative incidence 1.1%) compared with those given zoledronic acid (0.6%), when used in the indication of the prevention of skeletal-related events with advanced malignancies involving bone.
Letters sent to healthcare professionals in May 2018
Letters were sent about azithromycin, Lynparza▼(Olaparib), Xgeva▼ (denosumab), Lymphoseek (tilmanocept), ReoPro (abciximab) and dolutegravir; you still have time to complete a quick survey to tell us your views on the way medicines safety issues are communicated.
Medical Device Alerts issued in May 2018
An alert was recently issued by MHRA on JM103 and JM105 Jaundice Meters.