Information for Patients on Medication Safety Alerts
All medications can cause side effects and at Watford Health Centre we want to ensure that you are aware of any recent safety alerts that have been highlighted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the U.K that may apply to you.
If you have any concerns about any medication you are taking or would like some more information please book a telephone appointment at the surgery.
Hydrochlorothiazide-containing products
There is a slight risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly in long-term use, please regularly check for and report any new or changed skin lesions or moles. If you have had skin cancer in the past, please book an appointment at the surgery. Limit your exposure to sunlight and UV rays to also minimise the risk of skin cancer.
Carbimazole in pregnancy
Carbimazole is associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations when used during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy and at a high dose (15mg or more daily). Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment with carbimazole.
Citalopram or Escitalopram in >65-year-olds
Patients who are currently taking higher than 20 mg of citalopram or 10mg of escitalopram should ideally have their treatment reviewed by a clinician so the balance of risk and benefits can be considered carefully. This is because it can prolong the QT interval which can lead to problems with the heart especially with pre-existing cardiac disease.
Febuxostat
Febuxostat for hyperuricemia following clinical trial results showed and increased risk of cardiovascular death and increased all-cause mortality compared with allopurinol, in patients with gout and major cardiovascular disease. Therefore, febuxostat should be avoided in patients with pre-existing major cardiovascular disease (for example, heart attack, stroke or unstable angina), unless no other therapy options are appropriate.
SGLT-2 inhibitors (Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin and Canagliflozin) and Fournier’s gangrene
Fournier’s gangrene is a very rare but serious and potentially life-threatening infection. Seek urgent medical attention and stop the medication, if you experience severe pain, tenderness, erythema, or swelling in the genital or perianal area, accompanied by fever or malaise.