Patient safety

UK’s first regular street drug-checking service opens in Bristol

The service will run once per month, with the aim of reducing harm from drug taking and increasing understanding of local drug markets.…

People harmed by valproate could receive £100,000 payout, patient safety commissioner says

In ‘The Hughes report’, the patient safety commissioner said people affected by valproate should get an interim payout, followed by further support based on their individual needs.…

More than £30m of illegal medicines seized by MHRA in 2023

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says its support to online marketplaces led to the removal of more than half a million unregulated medicines and medical devices before they hit the UK market.…

MHRA says fluoroquinolones should be administered only when no other antibiotics are appropriate

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has issued new restrictions on fluoroquinolone use, following reports of serious adverse reactions in patients.…

Medicines regulator seeks expert advice on risk of developmental disorders in children fathered by men on valproate

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is to look again at evidence from a study evaluating the link between paternal valproate exposure and developmental disorders in children.…

No progress on post-Brexit falsified medicines scheme in UK

Health minister Andrew Stephenson said the Department of Health and Social Care was still “considering the right approach for the future”.…

How our integrated care system is taking steps to minimise the risks of sodium valproate

North Central London Integrated Care System has piloted new guidelines and a local dashboard to ensure there is a safety net in place for females taking sodium valproate.…

More than 300 people took overdose of propranolol in one year, report reveals

In the UK, 318 patients took an intentional overdose of propranolol in 2022/2023, of which 12 people died.…

FDA ‘evaluating regulatory action’ over link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and suicidal thoughts

The US Food and Drug Administration said it had received reports of suicidal ideation in patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists through its adverse events reporting system.…

GLP-1 receptor agonist shortage expected to continue for all of 2024

In a national patient safety alert, the Department of Health and Social Care advised switching patients on Byetta and Victoza to Rybelsus, and to provide appropriate counselling with any changes.…