Monthly lists of letters for healthcare professionals on the safety of medicines
31 January 2013
Copies of letters sent to healthcare professionals in January 2013, to inform of new safety information and advice:
| Date sent | Medicine | Safety information |
|---|---|---|
| 11 January 2013 | Fingolimod (Gilenya) (583Kb) |
Revised guidance on cardiovascular monitoring procedures when Gilenya is restarted after treatment interruption. |
| 11 January 2013 | Sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam) (786Kb) |
Interaction with amphotericin B deoxycholate, increasing the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias. |
| 12 January 2013 | Dabigatran (Pradaxa) (313Kb) |
Contraindicated in patients with prosthetic heart valves, because of risk of thromboembolism and bleeding. |
| 15 January 2013 | Tiseel and Artiss sprayable fibrin sealants (28Kb) |
Advice on correct use of sprayable fibrin sealants to minimise risk of fatal air or gas embolism. |
| 16 January 2013 | Bivalirudin (Angiox) (158Kb) |
Advice on approved dosing regimens, following reports of inappropriate use. |
| 21 January 2013 | Combined laropiprant-nicotinic acid (Tredaptive) (138Kb) |
Suspended from market because of lack of efficacy and increased serious risks. Treatment with Tredaptive should be discontinued. |
| 23 January 2013 | Anagrelide (Xagrid) (532Kb) |
Warning of cardiovascular risk associated with anagrelide regardless of previous medical history, and reminder that anagrelide is indicated as second line therapy. |
| 25 January 2013 | Insulin degludec (Tresiba) (432Kb) |
Two strengths of the product have been introduced in the UK. |
