Gentamicin: potential for histamine-related adverse drug reactions with some batches

Some batches of gentamicin sulphate active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) used to manufacture gentamicin may contain higher than expected levels of histamine, which is a residual from the manufacturing process.

Quinine: reminder of dose-dependent QT-prolonging effects; updated medicine interactions

Quinine has dose-dependent QT-interval-prolonging effects and should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation or in those with atrioventricular block.

Oral tacrolimus products: reminder to prescribe and dispense by brand name only

Inadvertent switching between tacrolimus products has been associated with reports of toxicity and graft rejection.

Support our second social media campaign for suspected adverse drug reactions

We are running a second social media campaign to promote the reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to the Yellow Card Scheme in support of the ADR awareness week taking place 20-24 November 2017.

Antiepileptic drugs: updated advice on switching between different manufacturers’ products

In addition to the 3 risk-based categories of antiepileptic drugs, patient-related factors should be considered when deciding whether it is necessary to maintain continuity of supply for a specific product.

Updates to Public Health England’s Green Book chapter on live attenuated vaccines

Further to our previous advice in 2016, Public Health England have updated their guidance about live vaccination of infants born to a mother who received immunosuppressive biological therapy during pregnancy.

Letters sent to healthcare professionals in October 2017

A letter was sent about injectable methylprednisolone products containing lactose (Solu-Medrone 40 mg); do not use in patients allergic to cow’s milk proteins.

Medical Device Alert issued in October 2017

An alert was issued about Alere HIV Combo professional HIV tests.

Posted on the UK MHRA website on 24 November 2017