Making medicines safer
Along with many other parts of the healthcare service, the Yellow Card system, and pharmacovigilance more generally, has faced significant challenges as a result of the pandemic. However, important opportunities have also arisen. The relatively rapid trialing and deployment of … Continued
Pharmacovigilance is the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other medicine-related problem. Although all medicines are required to undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy through clinical trials before they … Continued
We are encouraging all patients, care givers, and healthcare professionals to submit reports of suspected side effects to medicines using the Yellow Card Scheme electronically rather than by paper, during the current outbreak. This is because the MHRA, following government … Continued
Report suspected reactions in patients taking multiple medicines Be especially alert for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients taking more than one medicine and report any suspected ADRs to the Yellow Card Scheme. Show your support for the MHRA’s ADR … Continued
New insertion site to reduce rare risk of neurovascular injury and implant migration Amended advice on the insertion site for Nexplanon contraceptive implants following concerns regarding reports of neurovascular injury and implants migrating to the vasculature (including the pulmonary artery). … Continued
Updated educational materials In January 2020, healthcare professionals received updated educational materials to support the valproate pregnancy prevention programme. Valproate is contraindicated in girls and women of childbearing potential, unless the conditions of the pregnancy prevention programme are met. Advice … Continued
Updated restrictions and strengthened monitoring requirements following review of serious cardiovascular and immune-mediated reactions A review of the benefits and risks of alemtuzumab (including fatal reactions) in the treatment of multiple sclerosis has now concluded and recommended a revised indication, … Continued
Suspension of the licence due to risk of skin malignancy Stop prescribing Picato and consider other treatment options for actinic keratosis as appropriate. The licence of ingenol mebutate (Picato) has been suspended as a precautionary measure while the European Medicines … Continued
