UK MHRA Drug Safety Update (Volume 7, Issue 10)

Domperidone: risks of cardiac side effects— indication restricted to nausea and vomiting, new contraindications, and reduced dose and duration of use 

Domperidone (Motilium) is associated with a small increased risk of serious cardiac side effects. Its use is now restricted to the relief of nausea and vomiting and the dosage and duration of use have been reduced.

Voriconazole: reminder of risk of liver toxicity, phototoxicity, and squamous cell carcinoma—test liver function before and during treatment and tell patients to avoid sunlight exposure 

Voriconazole (Vfend) is known to be associated with a risk of liver toxicity, phototoxicity, and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Test liver function before starting treatment with voriconazole and at least weekly during the first month of treatment.

Adrenaline auto-injector advice for patients: after every use, an ambulance should be called even if symptoms are improving, the individual should lie down with legs raised and, if at all possible, should not be left alone 

People who have been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector because of the risk of anaphylaxis should carry two with them at all times for emergency, on-the-spot use. After every use of an adrenaline auto-injector, an ambulance should be called (even if symptoms are improving), the individual should lie down with their legs raised and, if at all possible, should not be left alone

Statins benefits and risks 

Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are widely used medicines for patients with lipid disorders and in the primary and secondary prevention of heart attack and stroke.

Stop Press

Zolpidem: risk of drowsiness and reduced driving ability 

Zolpidem (Edluar, Stilnoct) is used to treat insomnia. Taking zolpidem is associated with a risk of impaired driving ability the next day.

Posted on the UK MHRA website on 2 June 2014