The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published Drug Safety Update for September 2022 (PDF).
This issue advises clinicians that caution should be used if switching patients between different long-acting formulations of methylphenidate. Different instructions for use and different release profiles between the products may affect symptom management. It is recommended to specify a brand or manufacturer when prescribing. When considering a product switch consider patient preferences such as dosing frequency, discuss the change with the patient and cover the reasons for the switch, possible changes they may experience and provide instructions for use for the newly prescribed formulation, especially whether it should be taken with or without food.
This issue contains the latest COVID-19 vaccine and medicine information including confirmation of the authorisation of the Pfizer/BioNTech bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine. It is further confirmed that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective during pregnancy and breastfeeding and there is substantial evidence to support this advice.
Lastly in this issue is a summary of letters to healthcare professionals in August. These generally related to supply issues and recalls.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of this month's new guidance and implement any necessary changes to practice.