Thalidomide: reduced starting dose in patients older than age 75 years

Use a lower starting dose of thalidomide in patients with untreated multiple myeloma who are older than age 75 years.

 

Mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid: new pregnancy-prevention advice for women and men

Mycophenolate mofetil and its active metabolite mycophenolic acid are associated with a high rate of serious birth defects and increased risk of spontaneous abortion.

 

Bisphosphonates: very rare reports of osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal

Osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal has been reported very rarely (fewer than 1 in 10 000 patients) with bisphosphonates, mainly in association with long-term therapy (2 years or longer).

 

Antiretroviral medicines: updated advice on body-fat changes and lactic acidosis

With the exception of medicines containing zidovudine, stavudine, or didanosine, product information will no longer include warnings on fat redistribution or lactic acidosis.

 

Letters sent to healthcare professionals in November 2015

In November, letters were sent regarding thalidomide, mycophenolate mofetil, nicorandil, InductOs, and dimethyl fumarate.

 

 

Posted on the UK MHRA website on 14 December 2015