The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published Drug Safety Update for August 2009 (PDF).
This issue contains Hot Topics on the safety of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®) during the swine 'flu outbreak and an update on the safety of herbal products.
The Stop Press section advises that prescribing restrictions for rotigotine patches (Neupro®) have now been lifted. The restrictions were put in place in July 2008 when crystals were found to develop in the patches under certain conditions. An improved method of distribution, including refrigeration, appears to have resolved these issues.
Action: Clinicians will find this publication to be a useful review of current issues in drug safety.