MHRA drug safety update

Each month the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) publishes key information and learning related to medicines.

In a recent edition, they highlighted two areas that can be considered relevant for ambulance clinicians. 

S1 – Transdermal fentanyl patches (pain relief) and risk of overdose in children through accident exposure: 

This can include discarded patches and may be through contact or chewing. Children have a lower tolerance for this medicine so please consider this as part of your assessment. 

S2 – Administration errors with drug infusion: 

This relates to the incorrect infusion being given. This has occurred within EEAST where glucose and normal saline have been mistakenly administered. You are advised to ensure that medication is checked against the patient need and administered via the correct route. 

The full bulletin can be found on the MHRA website.

Published 18th October 2014