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

Drug Safety Update - August 2021

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

This issue advises readers of the latest COVID-19 vaccine safety information including data on menstrual disorders and unexpected vaginal bleeding linked with vaccine administration. It is noted that reporting rates are low, the side effect is usually transient and that there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines will affect fertility and the ability to have children. This section also summarises the available data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy which has identified no side effect patterns to date. The MHRA will, of course, continue to closely monitor safety data.

Lastly in this issue is a summary of letters to healthcare professionals in July. This includes notification that two desogestrel-containing contraceptive pills have been reclassified as Pharmacy medicines as well as links to recall notifications.

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