News
Read all the latest news from the Medicines for Children team
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Whooping cough – advice for parents and carers
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It causes bouts of coughing which may cause difficulty breathing. It spreads very easily through droplets from coughs and sneezes. In some babies and children it can cause them to be very unwell. It particularly important for babies and children to get vaccinated against it.
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New information about supplies of medicines
There have been reports in the media about problems with the supplies of some medicines, and parents and carers may have had difficulty obtaining the medicines needed for their children. We have published a new information guide explaining why there may be issues with the supply of certain medicines, and how this is managed to make sure patients get their medicines.
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Primary care rep wanted to join the programme board
The Medicines for Children team is looking for a representative from Primary care with an interest in paediatrics and/or patient information to join the programme board.
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Updated safety messaging about fluoroquinolone antibiotics
The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), which is responsible for the safety of medicines in the UK, has recently published an alert about the safety of a particular group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. This is because of concerns about rare but potentially serious side-effects affecting the muscles, tendons, joints and nerves, and psychiatric side-effects.
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Five new medicines leaflets available on Medicines for Children
Thanks to our brilliant medical colleagues, the Medicines for Children team are very pleased to announce the publication of a series of new information leaflets.
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Information for expectant parents on vitamin K for newborns
Vitamin K is recommended for all newborn babies in the UK, to prevent a rare but potentially serious condition called vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). It is recommended that expectant parents read this information leaflet before their baby is born, so they are fully informed and have the time to make a decision prior to the birth.
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Giving medicines to babies
The Medicines for Children team are delighted to share a series of resources for parents and carers. They provide information to support safe use of medicines for babies at home.
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Measles outbreak – what can you do?
Healthcare professionals are worried about the current rapid rise in cases of measles. Measles is spread very quickly and can cause serious (even life-threatening) symptoms in babies, young children and in unborn babies. The National Health Service (NHS) is encouraging children to be vaccinated as soon as possible if they have not already received two doses of vaccine. This will protect your child from measles and also help to stop the virus from spreading.
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Shortages of epilepsy medicines
Pharmacies in the UK may be having problems obtaining some medicines used to treat epilepsy. The way that medicines are bought and stocked has been changing over the last few years, causing occasional problems with the supply of some medicines. In this news item we set out practical steps that can help to avoid medicines shortages.
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New information published on medicines used to reduce saliva production
Glycopyrronium and hyoscine hydrobromide are two different medicines that are used to reduce the amount of saliva produced in the mouth. These medicines are needed to help children with conditions that affect the nerves or muscles in the face who may have difficulty swallowing their saliva. The two new information leaflets describe how to give these medicines safely - they are available on the Medicines for Children website from today.
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New QR code posters for asthma and allergic conditions
These new posters enable quick access to our medicines information for conditions affecting many children and young people; asthma and allergic conditions. The posters are available to download and print out for parents and carers to access medicines information quickly and easily in clinic or hospital settings.
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New safety measures in place for prescribing oral isotretinoin (roaccutane) for severe acne
The UK government have launched a strengthened set of safety measures for the prescribing of a medicine used to used to treat severe acne. These measures include additional safeguards when prescribing isotretinoin to patients under 18 years old, along with closer monitoring of a patient’s mental health and sexual well-being during treatment.
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