Corticosteroids: rare risk of central serous chorioretinopathy with local as well as systemic administration

The MHRA have issued information on central serous chorioretinopathy, a retinal disorder that has been linked to the systemic use of corticosteroids. Recently, it has also been reported after local administration of corticosteroids via inhaled and intranasal, epidural, intra-articular, topical dermal, and periocular routes.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to report any blurred vision or other visual disturbances during corticosteroid treatment and consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation of possible causes if a patient presents with vision problems.

MHRA Drug Safety Update June 2017

MHRA Drug Safety Update June 2017 A new Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Drug Safety Update (vol 10, […]

MHRA Drug Safety Update May 2017

MHRA Drug Safety Update May 2017 A new Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Drug Safety Update (vol 10, […]

MHRA safety alert -Citalopram: suspected drug interaction with cocaine; prescribers should consider enquiring about illicit drug use

When prescribing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), prescribers are reminded to enquire about cocaine use when considering drug–drug interactions and […]

New toolkit supports better understanding of the risks of valproate and pregnancy

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) today welcomed the launch of a new toolkit to ensure female patients are better informed about the risks of taking valproate medicines during pregnancy. Valproate (Epilim, Depakote and other generic brands) is a treatment for epilepsy and bipolar disorder and is prescribed to thousands of women. It is associated with a risk of birth defects and developmental disorders in children born to women who take valproate during pregnancy.