This page provides links to information about certain medicines and products from A - F.
Alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists and intraoperative floppy iris syndrome
In April 2005, patients given tamsulosin for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia were identified as having an increased risk of Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS)—a newly diagnosed syndrome that can lead to surgical complications during cataract surgery.
Go to the page on alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists and intraoperative floppy iris syndrome
Antiepileptics
A European review of antiepileptic medicines has concluded that any medicine in this class may be associated with a small risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour.
Antiretroviral drugs for HIV
Antiretroviral drugs are used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection; some are also effective against and used to treat hepatitis B infection.
Asthma: Long-acting ß2 agonists
Asthma is characterised by a reversible narrowing of the airways in the lungs, which leads to a cough, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing, and can change in its severity over short periods.
Blood glucose meters
In 2007, the MHRA issued a briefing note on counterfeit LifeScan OneTouch Ultra and OneTouch Basic/Profile blood glucose test strips.
Cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators (implantable)
There are now over 240,000 UK citizens benefiting from an implantable pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Many of these may need some form of general surgery during their lifetime, for example – surgery following an accident or hip replacement etc.
Go to the page on cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators (implantable)
Cochlear implants
Cochlear implants, auditory brainstem implants and their lead systems etc, are regulated as active implantable medical devices. The MHRA is responsible for ensuring that cochlear implants and auditory brainstem implants placed on the UK market meet appropriate standards of safety, quality and performance.
Dialysis
Dialysis is the process of filtering the blood to remove waste products, such as creatinine, urea and other toxic substances, as well as excess water. There are two major forms of artificial dialysis – haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Anaesthesia and ventilation
We receive large numbers of adverse incident reports relating to medical devices used in anaesthesia, ventilation and resuscitation.
Antipsychotic drugs
Antipsychotic drugs are mainly used to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and other psychoses, agitation, severe anxiety, mania and violent or dangerously impulsive behaviour.
Assistive technology
Assistive technology devices are intended to compensate for or alleviate an injury, handicap or illness; or to replace a physical function. Please note that the Assistive Technology unit in Blackpool closed in October 2011.
Bisphosphonates
This page provides information for patients and healthcare professionals about bisphosphonates, which are medicines that are used to treat and prevent bone disorders.
Breast implants
Breast implants are regulated as medical devices. The MHRA is responsible for ensuring that breast implants meet appropriate standards of safety, quality and performance, and that they comply with the Medical Devices Directive.
Cardiovascular safety of Cox-2 inhibitors and non-selective NSAIDs
Anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used medicines in the treatment of arthritis and many other painful conditions, including headache, fever, and minor ailments. Cox-2 selective inhibitors (‘coxibs’) are a relatively new type of anti-inflammatory medicine.
Go to the page on cardiovascular safety of Cox-2 inhibitors and non-selective NSAIDs
Coronary stents
This section provides information on MHRA advice relating to coronary stents.
Dopamine agonists for Parkinson's disease
In 2007, the MHRA issued a statement in response to the announcement by the Food and Drug Administration in relation to the withdrawal of pergolide.
Endovascular prostheses
Endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms clearly provides an important new therapeutic option for patient management.
