Hydrochlorothiazide: risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly in long-term use
Advise patients taking hydrochlorothiazide-containing products of the cumulative, dose-dependent risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly in long-term use, and the need to regularly check for (and report) any suspicious skin lesions or moles.
Systemic and inhaled fluoroquinolones: small increased risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection; advice for prescribing in high-risk patients
In patients at risk for aortic aneurysm and dissection, fluoroquinolones should only be used after careful assessment of the benefits and risks and after consideration of other therapeutic options.
Sildenafil (Revatio and Viagra): reports of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) following in-utero exposure in a clinical trial on intrauterine growth restriction
Sildenafil is not authorised for use in pregnancy for the treatment of intrauterine growth restriction.
Support Yellow Card: improve the safety of medicines in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in babies and children
Reporting suspected adverse drug reactions to the Yellow Card Scheme helps to support the safe use of medicines in babies, children, and pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in October 2018
Letters were sent to healthcare professionals about Jext adrenaline autoinjectors, rivaroxaban, Ozurdex 700 micrograms intravitreal implant, sildenafil, hydrochlorothiazide, and Epilim Chronosphere (sodium valproate).
Medical Device Alerts issued in October 2018
An alert was recently issued by MHRA about CoaguChek Test Strips for Point of Care and Home Use due to a risk of false high results.