Selected items from the News and Latest Additions sections of www.palliativedrugs.com, the world’s leading palliative care website.

Safety updates

FDA warn of skin injury with OTC rubefacients

Rare cases of serious burns on the skin have been reported to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) where over-the-counter (OTC) topical muscle and joint pain relievers were applied. The products contained the active ingredients menthol, methyl salicylate, or capsaicin. For more information click here.

MHRA alert: Chlorhexidine risk of anaphylaxis

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued an alert for products or medical devices containing chlorhexidine following reports of anaphylaxis. Examples of products which contain chlorhexidine are: antiseptic creams, wipes, cleansers and skin preparations; antiseptic mouthwashes, toothpastes and dental implants; eye drops and contact lens solutions; antiseptic lozenges and throat sprays; urinary catheters; central venous catheters; and antimicrobial dressings.

The following advice has been given:

• be aware of the potential for an anaphylactic reaction to chlorhexidine

• ensure that known allergies are recorded in patient notes

• check the labels and instructions for use to establish if products contain chlorhexidine prior to use on patients with a known allergy

• if a patient experiences an unexplained reaction, check whether chlorhexidine was used or was impregnated in a medical device that was used

• report allergic reactions to products containing chlorhexidine to the MHRA.

For more information click here.

 Prepared by Sarah Charlesworth and Andrew Wilcock