Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Medicine watchdog asks pharmacies to stop supply of Metformin Hydrochloride

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has asked pharmacies to stop supplying a particular batch of Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg/5ml oral solution following identification of an impurity: N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

NDMA, having genotoxic and carcinogenic potential, has been observed at a level above the acceptable limit in the medicine.


The medicine watchdog also advised pharmacies to “quarantine all remaining stock and return it to your supplier” of the affected batch manufactured by Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Limited.

Metformin Hydrochloride is used for treating patients with type 2 diabetes and helps in controlling blood sugar level.

“Patients should be advised not to stop any treatments without consulting their relevant healthcare professional,” the watchdog said.

Though, “very low levels” of the impurity has been detected, it can be harmful if consumed over a long period of time, MHRA said.

Dr Alison Cave MHRA chief safety officer, said: “This recall of one batch of metformin oral solution is a precautionary measure to prevent further exposure to the nitrosamine impurity. There is no evidence to date that this impurity has caused any harm to patients.”

More For You

Lack of funding deters NI pharmacy contractors from expanding portfolio

W G Hamilton Pharmacy is the third pharmacy in Northern Ireland to be recently sold to first-time buyers.

Pharmacy ownership trends shift in Northern Ireland due to funding gap

An increasing number of pharmacies in Northern Ireland are being acquired by first-time buyers, as existing contractors and groups pull back from expanding their portfolios amid ongoing funding pressures, according to specialist business property adviser Christie & Co.

Among the most recent sales is W G Hamilton Pharmacy, a busy community pharmacy in Ballysillan, North Belfast.

Keep ReadingShow less
RPS backs Pharmacist Support "Gift in Wills" initiative

The ‘Gift in Wills’ initiative is delivered in partnership with Bequeathed.

Photo credit: gettyimages

Leave a legacy: RPS partners with Pharmacist Support to promote ‘Gift in Wills’

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has announced its support for the ‘Gift in Wills’ initiative run by Pharmacist Support, coinciding with the charity’s birthday celebrations today (Tuesday 15 April).

This collaboration allows RPS members to create a free will while also helping to safeguard the future of vital support services for the pharmacy profession.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pharmacist Support calls for birthday donations to meet rising demand for mental health services

More and more pharmacy professionals are reaching out for help, said Danielle Hunt.

Pharmacist Support's birthday appeal: Donate to address growing mental health demand

Pharmacist Support – the independent charity dedicated to the pharmacy profession – is celebrating 184 years of service with the launch of a special birthday donations appeal.

On 15 April, the charity is urging individuals and organisations across the sector to support its campaign to raise vital funds to meet the increasing demand for its mental health and wellbeing services.

Keep ReadingShow less
Prostate cancer: At-home saliva test could save NHS £500 million annually

PRS saliva test can identify prostate cancer that was missed by an MRI scan

Photo credit: gettyimages

Prostate cancer: Spit test better than blood test in spotting men at highest risk

A simple at-home spit test could help detect prostate cancer earlier, saving the NHS around £500 million a year, according to new research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the study found that the DNA-based saliva test was more accurate than the current prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test in identifying men at risk of developing prostate cancer.

Keep ReadingShow less
RPS launches innovative new learning resources for members

With RPS Learn, pharmacists can develop a new skill or improve their understanding of practice or a clinical topic.

Gettyimages

RPS launches new learning resources to boost career development for members

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has launched a new online learning platform designed to support the practice, development and career advancement of its members.

The new platform, called RPS Learn, offers a diverse range of bite-size learning content, available on-demand, catering to all levels — from introductory to advanced and specialist —combining new content with RPS's renowned expertise in education and training to achieve excellence for learners.

Keep ReadingShow less