Safety warnings

Concern over ‘inappropriate’ flu vaccine being given to people aged over 65 years

An NHS regional flu lead has warned that patients aged over 65 years who have been given the QIVe vaccine should be recalled and possibly revaccinated.…

Oxybutynin is not suitable as over-the-counter medicine, say pharmacy bodies

Pharmacy bodies say there is "mounting evidence" linking oxybutynin to cognitive decline and the progression of dementia.…

Safety review launched into anti-epileptic medicine topiramate over fears of harm to unborn children

The review was prompted by study results that showed there was a two- to four-fold increased risk of developmental disorders or learning difficulties in children exposed to topiramate before birth.…

Government advisory body has 150 medicines on watch list for signs of misuse

Exclusive: Responding to a freedom of information request, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has revealed its current watch list.…

MHRA to consider evidence on transgenerational effects of sodium valproate

The regulator has asked the Commission on Human Medicines to look at data showing the transgenerational effects of sodium valproate in mice.…

MHRA seeking views on the safety of sodium valproate prescribing

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's findings will inform discussions of the Commission on Human Medicines.…

Pharmacy regulator investigated eight complaints about sodium valproate dispensing

The complaints were raised by a charity that supports women who have taken sodium valproate while pregnant.…

Government advisory body on controlled drugs reviewing safety of liquid morphine

Exclusive: Following the receipt of two regulation 28 notices, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs' technical committee is reviewing information on serious patient safety incidents involving morphine oral solutions.…

Patients must be warned not to swallow betamethasone soluble tablets

The views expressed in this letter are those of the author’s. If you would like to submit a letter to The Pharmaceutical Journal, please click here. The use of betamethasone 500 microgram soluble tablets as a mouthwash is referenced in national guidance sources as a treatment for ora…

Some antiepileptic drugs are safer than others for use during pregnancy, MHRA review concludes

Two antiepileptic drugs, lamotrigine and levetiracetam, are safer to take in pregnancy than others, a safety review by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has found.…