MHRA target UK illegal drug websites
The Medicines Healthcare and Regulatory Authority have conducted raids on five UK-based websites thought to be selling unlicensed or prescription-only medicines. Officers from the MHRA visited sites in Colchester, Canterbury, Preston, and Harrow and Hayes in Middlesex and seized computer equipment and substances such as ephedrine, a synthetic derivative of amphetamine often sold as […]
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New guidance on mobiles in hospitals and surgeries
The Department of Health has issued guidance about the use of mobile phones in GP surgeries and other NHS premises. The guidance suggests GP practices prepare a written policy on the use of mobile phones accompanied by information posters. It adds: “Many GPs ban the use of mobile phones in their surgeries.” The guidance, which […]
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MHRA implements adverse drug reaction software
The government’s medicines safety agency has implemented new software to improve management of adverse drug reaction (ADR) data reported by GPs and patients and to flag up and prioritise potential medicine safety issues. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) began last week to use new software from Lincoln Technologies to analyse data from […]
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MHRA to let patients report side-effects online
The DH have implemented changes to the way that adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are reported and publicised, including allowing patients to report reactions by submitting electronically through a new website and making drug reaction data available online. The new forms, which are being set up at www.yellowcard.gov.uk, will allow medication users to report any ADRs they encounter, as part […]
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Laptop and mobile ban lifted in new MHRA guidelines
The Medicines and Health Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued new guidelines about the use of wireless communication and electronics in hospitals and clinics, saying that they ought to be seen as managed risks, rather than banned outright. A ban on mobile phones, laptop computers, handheld gaming devices, 2.5G and 3G is now “not required, and impossible […]
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MDU warns doctors of picture messaging dangers
The Medical Defence Union has advised doctors to think twice before using picture mobile phones to take and send digital pictures to assist in the diagnosis and management of a patient’s condition. The MDU’s advice follows a warning by the medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency (MHRA) to doctors on the risks of using picture […]
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