- Prescribing Advice for GPs - https://www.prescriber.org.uk -

Drug Safety Update - May 2021

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published Drug Safety Update for May 2021 (PDF).

This month readers are advised that, while generic prescribing of levothyroxine remains appropriate for the majority of patients, in some patients prescribing a specific product, known to be well tolerated by the patient, should be considered if they report persistent symptoms when switching between different levothyroxine tablet formulations. It is further suggested that if symptoms or poor control of thyroid function persist despite adhering to a specific product, the levothyroxine in an oral solution formulation can be used.

This issue also contains an update on COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that includes a statement from the JCVI on the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine for people aged under 40.

Finally in this issue is a summary of letters to healthcare professionals sent in April that were regarding product recalls and imported medicine supplies.

Action: Clinicians should be aware of this month's new guidance and implement any necessary changes to practice.