The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published Drug Safety Update for June 2009 (PDF).
This issue contains stop press information about a potential interaction between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors, counterfeit NovoFine® needles and hepatitis risk from incorrect use of lancet devices. Drug safety advice covers the following areas:
- Antipsychotics: risk of venous thromboembolic events
- Chloral hydrate and Triclofos: not first-line options for insomnia
- Oral salicylate gels: not for use in those younger than age 16 years
- Topical ketoprofen: reminder on risk of photosensitivity reactions
Action: Clinicians will find this publication to be a useful review of current issues in drug safety.