Opioids: risk of dependence and addiction
New recommendations following a review of the risks of dependence and addiction associated with prolonged use of opioid medicines (opioids) for non-cancer pain.
Transdermal fentanyl patches for non-cancer pain: do not use in opioid-naive patients
Following a review of the risks associated with use of opioid medicines for non-cancer pain, the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has recommended that fentanyl transdermal patches are contraindicated in opioid-naive patie…
In autoimmune conditions and some cancer therapies, methotrexate should be taken once a week; however, we continue to receive reports of inadvertent overdose due to more frequent dosing (including daily administration).
Insulins (all types): risk of cutaneous amyloidosis at injection site
Cutaneous amyloidosis at the injection site has been reported in patients using insulin and this may affect glycaemic control.
Letters and drug alerts sent to healthcare professionals in August 2020
A summary of letters and drug alerts recently sent to healthcare professionals.