Drug Safety Update: Volume 2 Issue 11, June 2009

In this issue...

Drug safety advice

• Antipsychotics: risk of venous thromboembolic events
• Chloral hydrate (Welldorm) 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

Yellow Card scheme update

• The Black Triangle Scheme

Hot topic

• Counterfeit medicines: patient guidance for distribution via pharmacies

Stop press

• Clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors: possible interaction
• Erlotinib: new safety information
• Counterfeit insulin pen Novofine needles: vigilance needed for lot number 08J02S
• Prescription of blood lancet devices: hepatitis risk from incorrect use

Other information from the MHRA

• Patient Information Leaflets of the month: Skelid for Paget’s disease
• Medical devices: practice guidance