February 2024 MHRA Safety Notifications The MHRA has published a summary of letters and notifications issued to healthcare professionals during February 2024. This update covers important safety information on medicines and medical devices that may affect your clinical practice and patient care. What You Need to Know Regular safety alerts from the MHRA help ensure […]
MHRA Alert – Codeine Linctus Reclassified to Prescription-Only Medicine
Codeine Linctus Now Prescription-Only The MHRA has reclassified codeine linctus (codeine oral solutions) from a general sales list (GSL) medicine to a prescription-only medicine (POM). This change follows a public consultation and reflects updated safety considerations for this commonly used cough suppressant. What You Need to Know Codeine linctus can no longer be supplied over-the-counter […]
MHRA Alert – Pseudoephedrine and Risk of PRES and RCVS
MHRA Drug Safety Update The MHRA has issued a safety alert regarding very rare reports of serious neurological conditions associated with pseudoephedrine use. What You Need to Know Very rare cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) have been reported in patients taking pseudoephedrine. While these events are uncommon, […]
MHRA Alert – January 2024 Medicine Recalls and Safety Updates
January 2024 MHRA Safety Communications Summary The MHRA has published a summary of letters and notifications issued to healthcare professionals during January 2024 concerning medicines and medical devices. This update consolidates important safety information relevant to prescribers, dispensers, and clinical teams across all settings. What You Need to Know The January 2024 communications package includes […]
MHRA Alert – Valproate Safety Materials for Under-55s
New Safety Guidance on Valproate Use The MHRA has published new safety and educational materials for valproate-containing medicines to support regulatory measures protecting men and women under 55 years of age from serious harm. Key Points Valproate carries a significant risk of serious birth defects and developmental disorders if taken during pregnancy New safety materials […]
MHRA Alert – Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics: Restricted Prescribing Now in Effect
Key Update The MHRA has issued updated guidance on systemic fluoroquinolone antibiotics, effective immediately. These agents must now be prescribed only when other commonly recommended antibiotics are inappropriate. What Has Changed? Following a comprehensive safety review, fluoroquinolones are no longer considered first-line or routine options for bacterial infections. This restriction reflects the balance between their […]