Safety of Medicine

Risk of inflammation of pancreas

Canada. Health Canada has announced that there is a link between methimazole (Tapazole®) and the risk of acute pancreatitis.

Methimazole, also known as thiamazole, is a prescription drug to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition where too much thyroid hormone is produced.

Risk of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)

New Zealand. Medsafe has announced that haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has been reported internationally in patients taking lamotrigine.

Potential risk of skin cancer

Europe. The EMA has announced that PRAC has started a review of data on skin cancer in patients using ingenol mebutate (Picato®).

Ingenol mebutate is indicated to treat actinic keratosis, a skin condition caused by overexposure to sunlight.

Rare occurrence of serious liver injury

USA. The US FDA has announced that it has received cases of worsening liver function or liver failure in patients taking hepatitis C medicines (Mavyret®, Zepatier® and Vosevi®).

Risk of cardiac events

United Kingdom. The MHRA has announced that cases of cardiac arrest, cardiac failure and myocardial infarction were reported in patients taking carfilzomib (Kyprolis®).

Risk of QT interval prolongation

New Zealand. Medsafe has announced that patients taking natural health products containing Artemisia annua may be at risk of QT interval prolongation.