News | Medicines safety

News

Pregabalin prescribing increases by almost 25% since restrictions imposed

Exclusive: Almost 670,000 patients in England were prescribed pregabalin when it was first reclassified in 2018/2019, compared with more than 820,000 patients in 2023/2024.…

Published: 10 June 2024

News

Potency warning labels for topical steroids to be introduced following reports of adverse reactions

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said it had received 267 Yellow Card reports of withdrawal reactions from topical steroids in two years.…

Published: 4 June 2024

News

Government introduces ‘emergency ban’ on overseas prescriptions for puberty blockers

The new arrangements, which apply to gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, follow the Cass Review recommendation that inappropriate overseas prescribing of hormone supplies should be prevented.…

Published: 3 June 2024

Feature

Are prescribing restrictions for pregabalin working?

Prescribing of pregabalin, which is licensed to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain and anxiety, is on the rise despite the introduction of restrictions in 2019. Here, we examine the trends and possible causes.…

Published: 23 May 2024

News

NICE terminates appraisal of medicine for the treatment of persistent cough

Manufacturer Merck Sharpe & Dohme has decided not to supply the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence with evidence on use of gefapixant (Lyfnua).…

Published: 20 May 2024

Opinion

A campaign to help patients discuss their medicines nearly doubled our medication reviews

The ‘Me and My Medicines’ campaign distributes information in nine languages to encourage Black and minority ethnic groups to raise concerns about their medicines.…

Published: 20 May 2024

News

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to be able to supply naloxone without a prescription

The expanded access to take-home naloxone follows two government consultations carried out in 2021 and 2024, respectively.…

Published: 14 May 2024

News

MHRA announces development of tool for public to report websites selling fake medicines

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said the new checking tool will allow it to investigate and take enforcement action against unsafe websites.…

Published: 2 May 2024

News

Montelukast will carry ‘more prominent warnings’ of neuropsychiatric reactions

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency also advised prescribers to be alert for neuropsychiatric reactions, including sleep disorders, hallucinations, anxiety and depression, and changes in behaviour and mood.…

Published: 1 May 2024

Feature

Pharmacy under fire: managing medicines in war zones

In this episode of The PJ Pod, we explore the challenges pharmacists face while working in conflict areas, such as Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan.…

Published: 26 April 2024