Tag: pharmacovigilance
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Rabies Vaccine Batch Troubles: What Went Wrong and Why
Overview: A troubling batch in the spotlight Late last year, health authorities warned about problems tied to a rabies vaccine batch, highlighting the broader risk posed by counterfeit vaccines. While vaccines are designed to protect communities from deadly diseases, lapses in quality control or the circulation of counterfeit products can undermine public trust and leave…
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What went wrong with a rabies vaccine batch? Explained
Overview: Why a rabies vaccine batch drew warnings Late last year, health authorities in Australia and the United States issued warnings about concerns surrounding a rabies vaccine supply. While the specific vaccines in question varied by country, the core issues were consistent: potential quality lapses, counterfeit products flooding the market, and gaps in the supply…
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Nimesulide Ban and Cough Syrup OTC Scrutiny: What the New Policy Means
Overview: What is Changing? The health ministry has announced two concurrent regulatory moves that could reshape how common medicines reach consumers. First, Nimesulide in doses above 100 mg faces a ban in over‑the‑counter (OTC) sale, signaling tighter controls on non-prescription anti‑inflammatory drugs. Second, a proposed draft notification would remove cough syrups from the list of…
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Nimesulide Ban and Redrawn Cough Syrup Rules: What It Means for Consumers
Overview: A Bold Move in Drug Regulation The government is advancing stringent controls on two fronts: a prohibition on Nimesulide drugs above 100 mg and a draft notification that would remove cough syrups from the list of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. The dual policy shift aims to tighten safety standards and reduce misuse, with potential ripple…
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Exclusive: Fears over teenagers’ easy access to weight-loss drugs
Introduction: A growing concern Heavily marketed online, weight-loss drugs have become more accessible than ever. A recent investigation by Extra.ie reveals a troubling trend: teenagers are increasingly referred to medical professionals after obtaining these medications through online retailers. While adults may seek help for weight management, the ease with which minors appear to be purchasing…
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MedSafetyWeek 2024: MHRA Urges Public to Report Side Effects and Suspected Fake Medicines
What is MedSafetyWeek and why it matters MedSafetyWeek is an international initiative now in its tenth year, uniting more than 130 medicines regulators and health organisations across 117 countries. The campaign emphasizes the importance of public participation in pharmacovigilance: reporting suspected side effects from medicines and incidents involving medical devices. When people share experiences with…
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MHRA Urges Public to Report Medicine Side Effects and Suspect Counterfeits During MedSafetyWeek
Overview: MedSafetyWeek Spotlight on Medicines Safety As the tenth annual MedSafetyWeek kicks off, regulatory bodies and health organisations from more than 130 regulators across 117 countries unite to emphasise a simple, powerful idea: report safety concerns about medicines and medical devices. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom is joining…
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MedSafetyWeek 2025: MHRA Urges Public to Report Side Effects and Suspected Fakes
Why MedSafetyWeek Matters The tenth annual MedSafetyWeek mobilizes regulators, health organisations, and the public in a joint effort to safeguard medicine use worldwide. Coordinated by more than 130 medicines regulators and health bodies across 117 countries, the campaign emphasizes the critical role citizens play in pharmacovigilance. By reporting unexpected side effects and concerns about medicines…
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FDA Recalls Blood Pressure Drug Prazosin Hydrochloride Over Potential Carcinogen
Overview: FDA Notice on Prazosin Hydrochloride Recall The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the recall of more than 500,000 bottles of the blood pressure medication prazosin hydrochloride. The recall stems from concerns that the drug may contain a cancer-causing impurity, prompting manufacturers to pull affected lots from the market and instruct patients…
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Adverse Reactions to Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen in Children: A Narrative Review
Overview: Why a Narrative Review on Pediatric ADRs Matters Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are among the most commonly used over-the-counter medications for fever and pain in children. While their safety profiles are well established when used correctly, reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in pediatric populations have risen in recent years. This trend coincides with…