News

Updates from NHS BSA, MHRA drug safety alerts, and other medical news.

MHRA Alert – Fezolinetant (Veoza): Liver Injury Risk & Monitoring Guidance

Drug Safety Update: Fezolinetant (Veoza) The MHRA has issued new safety recommendations for fezolinetant (Veoza) following reports of drug-induced liver injury in patients receiving this treatment. Healthcare providers should be aware of this risk and implement appropriate monitoring protocols. Key Points Fezolinetant treatment carries a documented risk of drug-induced liver injury New recommendations have been […]

MHRA Alert – Prolonged-Release Opioids: Post-Operative Pain Indication Removed

Key Safety Update The MHRA has removed the post-operative pain indication from all prolonged-release opioid medicines. This change reflects growing evidence of the risk of persistent post-operative opioid use (PPOU) and opioid-induced ventilatory impairment in this patient group. What Has Changed Prolonged-release opioid formulations are no longer licensed for the relief of post-operative pain. This […]

MHRA Alert – January 2025 Medicine Recalls and Safety Notifications

January 2025 MHRA Safety Update The MHRA has published a summary of letters and notifications issued to healthcare professionals during January 2025 concerning medicines and medical devices. This update consolidates recent safety communications to help you stay informed of regulatory actions affecting clinical practice. What You Need to Know This alert covers a range of […]

MHRA Alert – Valproate: Two-Specialist Review Now Required for New Patients Under 55

Key Update on Valproate Initiation Requirements The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has clarified prescribing requirements for valproate, a medication used to treat epilepsy and other conditions. Two specialist reviews are now mandatory for all patients under 55 years of age initiating valproate, regardless of sex or gender. Important Clarification for Existing Male Patients Male […]

MHRA Alert – GLP-1 Agonists and Pulmonary Aspiration Risk During Anaesthesia

MHRA Drug Safety Update Healthcare professionals should be aware of a potential risk of pulmonary aspiration in patients taking GLP-1 or dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists who undergo surgery or procedures requiring general anaesthesia or deep sedation. What You Need to Know GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists are associated with delayed gastric emptying. This mechanism, while […]

MHRA Alert – December 2024 Medicine Recalls and Safety Letters

Important Safety Update from the MHRA The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published a summary of letters and notifications issued to healthcare professionals during December 2024 concerning medicines and medical devices. This update consolidates recent safety communications to help you stay informed of regulatory actions affecting your practice. What You Need to […]

MHRA Alert – November 2024 Medicine Recalls and Safety Letters

MHRA November 2024 Safety Update The MHRA has published a summary of letters and notifications issued to healthcare professionals throughout November 2024 concerning medicines and medical devices. This monthly round-up helps ensure all clinical teams remain informed of emerging safety issues and regulatory actions. What You Need to Know The November 2024 alert package includes: […]

MHRA Alert – MedSafetyWeek 2024: Yellow Card Reporting Campaign

MedSafetyWeek November 2024 The MHRA’s ninth annual #MedSafetyWeek campaign runs from 4 to 10 November 2024. This year’s focus emphasises the critical role that Yellow Card reports play in preventing future harm and improving patient safety across the UK. Why Yellow Card Reporting Matters Every adverse drug reaction report submitted via the Yellow Card scheme […]

MHRA Alert – October 2024 Medicine Recalls and Safety Updates

October 2024 MHRA Safety Communications The MHRA has published a summary of letters and notifications issued to healthcare professionals during October 2024 concerning medicines and medical devices. This monthly round-up ensures all clinical staff remain informed of important safety updates and product recalls. What You Need to Know The MHRA regularly communicates safety concerns, product […]

MHRA Alert – GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Side Effects and Misuse Risk

Key Safety Reminder for GLP-1 Receptor Agonists The MHRA has issued a reminder for healthcare professionals regarding glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). This update emphasises the importance of patient counselling on potential side effects and highlights emerging concerns around misuse of these medications. What You Need to Know GLP-1RAs are widely prescribed for type 2 […]