Esmya (ulipristal acetate): suspension of the licence due to risk of serious liver injury
Contact patients currently taking Esmya for uterine fibroids as soon as possible and advise them to stop their treatment.
Caution should be used in patients with known risk factors for venous thromboembolism in addition to the underlying disease.
Baricitinib (Olumiant▼): risk of venous thromboembolism
Discontinue baricitinib treatment permanently if clinical features of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occur.
SGLT2 inhibitor treatment should be interrupted in patients who are hospitalised for major surgical procedures or acute serious medical illnesses and ketone levels measured, preferably in blood rather than urine.
Benzodiazepines and opioids: reminder of risk of potentially fatal respiratory depression
Benzodiazepines and opioids can both cause respiratory depression, which can be fatal if not recognised in time.
Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in February 2020
Letters were sent on Typhim Vi vaccines, Mepact (mifamurtide), and Xeljanz (tofacitinib) and an alert issued to recall Emerade 150 microgram adrenaline pens.
Medical Device Alerts issued in February 2020
Alerts were issued about CME T34 and T34L (T60) ambulatory syringe pumps, Cardinal Health tympanic thermometers, t:slim X2 insulin pump, and Mavidon skin preparation electrode gels.