MHRA Drug Safety Update
June 2022
Metformin and reduced vitamin B12 levels: new advice for monitoring patients at risk
Decreased vitamin B12 levels, or vitamin B12 deficiency, is now considered to be a common side effect in patients on metformin treatment, especially in those receiving a higher dose or longer treatment duration and in those with existing risk factors. We are therefore advising checking vitamin B12 serum levels in patients being treated with metformin who have symptoms suggestive of vitamin B12 deficiency. We also advise that periodic monitoring for patients with risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency should be considered.
We have issued a National Patient Safety Alert following serious reports of harm associated with insulin leakage during use of the Accu-Chek Insight Insulin pump with NovoRapid PumpCart prefilled insulin cartridges. Patients should be moved onto alternative insulin pumps where possible.
COVID-19 vaccines and medicines: updates for June 2022
Recent information relating to COVID-19 vaccines and medicines that has been published since the May 2022 issue of Drug Safety Update, up to 17 June 2022.
Letters and medicine recalls sent to healthcare professionals in May 2022
A summary of recent letters and notifications sent to healthcare professionals about medicines and medical devices.
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Drug Safety Update is a monthly newsletter from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and its independent advisor the Commission on Human Medicines.
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