Website of the Department of Health

Public Health Link

All Urgent Communications from 2003 to 2007 are listed below. A complete catalogue of these communications is also accessible on the Public Health Link website. To find Urgent Communications prior to 2003, please go to the Public Health Link website.

• Public Health Link (opens new window)

2008

• 29/01/08 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd - Viscotears Single Dose Unit 2.0mg / G Eye Gel (opens new window)
• 22/01/08: Drug Alert class 3 medicines recall: MetWest Pharmaceuticals Ltd - Simvastatin tablets 10 mg (opens new window)
• 09/01/08 - Influenza Season 2007/08 - Use of antivirals (opens new window)

2007

• 14/12/07 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - Seton Products Ltd - Woodward's Gripe Water Alcohol and Sugar Free (opens new window)
• 29/11/07 - Aprotinin - Suspension of UK licences (opens new window)
• 21/11/07 - Document contains three Class 2 Drug Alerts - Class 2 Medicines Recall needed for all 3 products. Reference El(07)A/24: 0.25% and 0.5% Timolol Eye Drops, Reference El(07)A/25: Hypromellose Eye Drops Bp 0.3%, Reference El(07)A/26: Chloramphenicol Eye Drops 0.5%. (opens new window)
• 19/11/07 - Lumiracoxib - Suspension of UK Licences with immediate effect (opens new window)
• 15/11/07 - Document contains two Class 2 Drug Alerts from one Company. Class 2 Medicines Recall required for both products. Reference El(07)A/22 refers to Betaxolol Hydrochloride Eye Drops 0.5% And El(07)A/23 Rrefers to Sodium Cromoglicate Eye Drops 2.0% (opens new window)
• 05/11/07 - Aprotinin - Suspension of marketing due to safety concerns (opens new window)
• 05/11/07 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - LPC Medical (UK) Ltd - Ibuprofen Tablets 200, 400 and 600 Mg In Karib Kemi Pharm Livery (opens new window)
• 01/11/07 - Document contains two Class 2 Drug Alerts for two related companies. Identical action is needed - Class 2 medicines recall required for both products. Reference EL(07)A/18 refers to Bisacodyl 5mg tablets, MA holder is DDSA Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Reference EL(07)A/19 refers to Atenolol 25, 50 & 100mg tablets, MA holder is Chatfield Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (opens new window)
• 19/10/07 - Drug Alert Class 1 Medicines Recall - Medlock Medical Ltd - Steripaste Medicated Paste Bandage - Seton Livery Packs (opens new window)
• 15/10/07 - Urgent correction to Class 2 Medicines Recall - Bristol Laboratories - Warfarin tablets 1mg - issued at 15:25 today (opens new window)
• 18/09/07 - Update on seizures of cannabis contaminated with glass particles (opens new window)
• 13/09/07 - Improving the detection and diagnosis of HIV in non-HIV specialties including Primary Care (opens new window)
• 22/08/07 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - Milpharm Ltd - Flucloxacillin Capsules 500mg - Product Distributed in both Milpharm and Arrow Generics Liveries (opens new window)
• 24/07/07 - Seasonal Influenza Programme 2007/08 (opens new window)
• 24/07/07 - Update to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) guidance from the Expert Advisory Group on AIDS (EAGA) following the recent recall of Viracept (opens new window)
• 23/07/07 - Haemophilus Influenzae type B (HIB) vaccine for young children - catch up programme (opens new window)
• 20/07/07 - Risk of depression and suicidal behaviour with Acomplia (Rimonabant) (opens new window)
• 13/07/07 - Drug alert class 4 medicines defect information - contaminated fake toothpaste products in combined arabic and english livery - Sensodyne original and Sensodyne mint in 50ml tubes (opens new window)
• 27/06/07 - Further Information: Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - Chatfield and Ddsa Pharmaceuticals Amoxicillin 125 and 250 Mg/5ml Suspensions; Dedoxil Amoxicillin Capsules 250 and 500 Mg (opens new window)
• 27/06/07 - Drug Alert Class 1 Medicines Recall - Cp Pharmaceuticals Prosulf Injection 10 Mg/Ml, Pl 04543/0234 (opens new window)
• 26/06/07 - Gadolinium-Containing Mri Contrast Agents And Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (Nsf) - Update (opens new window)
• 26/06/07 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - Chatfield & Ddsa Pharmaceuticals Amoxicillin 125 and 250 Mg/5ml Suspensions; Dedoxil Amoxicillin Capsules 250 and 500 Mg (opens new window)
• 21/06/07 - HPV vaccine announcement (opens new window)
• 07/06/07 - Drug Alert Class 1 Medicines Recall - Contaminated Viracept - All Presentations (Nelfinavir Mesilate). This Alert Includes Both Originator Product And Any Parallel Distributed Product. Recall To Patient Level (opens new window)
• 05/06/07 - Drug Alert Class 1 Medicines Recall - Counterfeit Parallel Distributed Plavix 75mg Film Coated Tablets (Clopidogrel) - Pharmacy Level Recall (opens new window)
• 01/06/07 - Drug Alert Class 1 Medicines Recall - Counterfeit Parallel Imported Casodex Tablets 50mg (Bicalutamide) - Patient Level Recall (opens new window)
• 25/05/07 - Drug Alert Class 1 Medicines Recall - Counterfeit Parallel Distributed Plavix Tablets 75mg (Clopidogrel) (opens new window)
• 24/05/07 - Drug Alert Class 1 Medicines Recall - Counterfeit Parallel Distributed Zyprexa Tablets 10mg (opens new window)
• 17/05/07 - Update on seizures of cannabis contaminated with glass particles (opens new window)
• 19/04/07 - Recommendations of the expert working group on the prevention of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalised patients (opens new window)
• 30/03/07 - Influenza Immunisation Programme 2007/2008 (opens new window)
• 22/03/07 - Drug Alert Class 1 Medicines Recall - Taxol 6mg/Ml Concentrate For Solution For Infusion (Paclitaxel) - Bristol-Myers Squibb (opens new window)
• 19/01/07 - Contamination of herbal or ’skunk-type’ cannabis with glass beads (opens new window)
• 22/03/07 - Drug Alert Class 1 Medicines Recall - Vepesid 20mg/Ml Concentrate For Solution For Infusion (Etoposide) - Bristol-Myers Squibb (opens new window)
• 22/03/07 - Influenza Season 2006/07 - Use Of Antivirals (opens new window)
• 08/02/07 - Influenza Season 2006/07 - Use of Oseltamivir (opens new window)
• 07/02/07 - Gadolinium-containing MRI contrast agents and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) (opens new window)
• 07/02/07 - Outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in Holton, North Suffolk, February 2007 (opens new window)
• 16/01/07 - Updates On The Seasonal Influenza Programme And Pneumococcal Catch Up Programme For Children (opens new window)
• 11/01/07 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - Predfoam Aerosol Pack - Forest Laboratories Ltd (opens new window)

2006

• 06/12/06 - Drug Alert Class 2 - Medicines Recall Rabipur Rabies Vaccine - Novartis Vaccines (opens new window)
• 27/11/06 - Information to health professionals - Radioactive Material ‘Polonium-210’ - Radiological incident in November 2006 (opens new window)
• 21/11/06 - Drug Alert Class 2 - Field Inspection - Herceptin Injection 150mg - Vials Containing Powder For Reconstitution - Roche Registration Ltd (opens new window)
• 15/11/06 - Drug Alert Class 2 - Medicines Recall - Triiodothyronine Injection 20mcg - Powder For Reconstitution - Goldshield Pharmaceuticals Ltd (opens new window)
• 03/11/06 - Drug Alert Class 2 - Medicines Recall - Aricept 10mg Tablets - Parallel Import - Lexon (Uk) Ltd (opens new window)
• 24/10/06 - Safety of selective and non-selective NSAIDs (opens new window)
• 05/10/06 - Drug Alert Class 2 - Medicines Recall - Neulasta Sureclick Injection Device - Amgen Ltd (opens new window)
• 28/09/06 - Supplies of seasonal influenza vaccine (opens new window)
• 31/08/06 - Drug Alert Class 3 medicines recall - Gyno-Pevaryl 150 combipack - Janssen-Cilag Ltd (opens new window)
• 23/08/06 - Withdrawal from sale of infants milks based on goats' milk on 17 September 2006 (opens new window)
• 15/08/06 - Drug Alert Class 2 - Medicines Recall - Pabrinex Intravenous High Potency Injection - 5ml Ampoules - Link Pharmaceuticals Ltd (opens new window)
• 11/08/06 - Procedure for taking essential medicines on flights in the current security situation (opens new window)
• 11/08/06 - Beclometasone Diproprionate pressurised metered dose inhaler (opens new window)
• 03/08/06 - Drug alert: Class 2 medicines recall - Lipitor Tablets 20mg - Additional counterfeit lot - Pfizer Ltd (opens new window)
• 27/07/06 - Lassa fever case in Germany: possible contacts (opens new window)
• 19/07/06 - Drug alert: Class 2 medicines recall - Lipitor tablets 20mg - counterfeit product - Pfizer Ltd (opens new window)
• 12/07/06 - Important changes to the Childhood Immunisation Programme (opens new window)
• 29/06/06 - Influenza Programme 2006/07 (opens new window)
• 31/05/06 - Updated Prescribing Advice For Venlafaxine (Efexor/Efexor Xl) (opens new window)
• 08/05/06 - Paroxetine (Seroxat) - Risk of suicidal behaviour in adults (opens new window)
• 11/04/06 - Drug Alert Class 4 Medicines Defect Information - Caution In Use - Pentostam Injection - Glaxosmithkline (opens new window)
• 22/03/06 - Drug Alert Class 3 Medicines Recall - Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd - Oramorph Oral Solution - 100ml Bottles (opens new window)
• 22/03/06 - Drug Alert Class 1 Medicines Recall - Ge Healthcare Ltd - Myoview 10ml Vials (opens new window)
• 16/03/06 - Drug Alert Class 3 Medicines Recall - Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment Bp 1%W/W / Hydrocortisone Eye Ointment Bpc 1%W/W - Martindale Pharmaceuticals (opens new window)
• 16/03/06 - Influenza Season 2005/06 - Use Of Antivirals (opens new window)
• 15/03/06 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall- Water For Injection Ph. Eur. 10ml Ampoules - B M Browne Uk Limited (opens new window)
• 02/03/06 - Bird Flu (Avian influenza H5N1) (opens new window)
• 16/02/06 - Strattera (Atomoxetine) - Conclusions Of Risk:Benefit Review (opens new window)
• 10/02/06 - Drug Alert Class 1 Medicines Recall For Immediate Action - Aventis Pharma - Clexane Syringes 20mg And 40mg - Enoxaparin Sodium (opens new window)
• 08/02/06 - Planned Changes To The Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme (opens new window)
• 08/02/06 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall-Additional Schwarz Pharma Notification - Isoket 50ml Vials - Isosorbide Dinitrate 0.05 And 0.1% (opens new window)
• 07/02/06 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - Schwarz Pharma Ltd - Nitrocine 50ml Vials - Glyceryl Trinitrate 50mg In 50ml (opens new window)
• 02/02/06 - Drug Alert Class 1 Urgent Safety Information - Limited Stock Recall - Cd & Hx Oxygen Cylinders - Boc Limited (opens new window)
• 23/01/06 - Drug Alert Class 3 Medicines Recall- Athlone Laboratories Ltd - Product Supplied In Four Liveries - Amoxicillin Sugar-Free Suspension 125mg/5ml (opens new window)
• 18/01/06 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - Polyfarma Ltd - Tegretol Retard Tablets 400mg (Carbamazepine) - Parallel Import (opens new window)
• 13/01/06 - Drug Alert Class 3 Medicines Recall - Abbott Laboratories Ltd - Gopten Capsules 1mg (opens new window)
• 09/01/06 - Drug Alert Class 3 Medicines Recall - Merck Pharmaceuticals Ltd - Slozem Capsules 300mg (opens new window)
• 06/01/06 - Drug Alert Class 1 Medicines Recall - Aurum Pharmaceuticals Ltd - Ephedrine Hydrochloride Pre-Filled Syringes 3mg/Ml-Batch Number 31 5 480-Boxes Labelled As Atropine Sulphate Injection Bp 3mg In 10ml (opens new window)
• 05/01/06 - Reintroduction of the Volumatic Spacer Device - Important new information (opens new window)
• 04/01/06 - Drug Alert Class 3 Medicines Recall - Baxter Healthcare Ltd - Endoxana Tablets 50mg (opens new window)

2005

• 29/12/05 - New advice on use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Wider access in at-risk populations (opens new window)
• 09/12/05 - Falciparum malaria in travellers returning from the Gambia (opens new window)
• 06/12/05 - Paroxetine (Seroxat) - Safety In Pregnancy (opens new window)
• 06/12/05 - Drug Alert Class 3 Medicines Recall - Merck Pharmaceuticals - Femseven Transdermal Patches (opens new window)
• 29/11/05 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - Star Pharmaceuticals Limited - Pulmicort 100mcg Turbohaler (opens new window)
• 23/11/05 - Drug Alert Class 1 Medicines Recall - Amersham Health AS (Part Of GE Healthcare) - Optison Suspension For Injection 3ml Vial (opens new window)
• 21/11/05 - Drug Alert Class 3 Medicines Recall - Janssen-Cilag Limited - Daktarin Oral Gel/Miconazole 20mg/G (opens new window)
• 14/11/05 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - Mayne Pharma Plc - Methotrexate Injection 500mg/20ml (opens new window)
• 31/10/05 - Drug Alert Class 4 Medicines Defect Information - Caution In Use - Wyeth Pharmaceuticals - Enbrel (opens new window)
• 25/10/05 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - Baxter Healthcare Limited - Physioneal 40 Glucose 2.27% W/V (opens new window)
• 19/10/05 - Avian influenza and pandemic influenza (opens new window)
• 13/10/05 - This replaces Drug Alert - Class 3 - HRF 100mcg Vial and Solvent (opens new window)
• 25/08/05 - Drug Alert - Class 3 - Lipitor 10mg Tablets (Parallel Import) (opens new window)
• 23/08/05 - Drug Alert - Class 4 Medicines Defect Information - Caution in use - Hameln Pharmaceuticals Ltd - Atropine Sulphate Injection Bp (opens new window)
• 16/08/05 - This replaces urgent message reference CEM/CMO/2005/8 sent earlier today: Discontinuation of the Volumatic Spacer Device - Important new information (opens new window)
• 04/08/05 - Drug alert - Class 2 medicines recall - Baxter Healthcare Limited - Physioneal 40 Glucose 1.36% W/V (opens new window)
• 03/08/05 - Cardiovascular safety of NSAIDS - Review of evidence (opens new window)
• 02/08/05 - Drug alert - Class 3 medicines recall - 3m Health Care Ltd - Inhalers supplied in three liveries (opens new window)
• 29/07/05 - Drug alert - Class 2 medicines recall - Counterfeit product: Lipitor tablets 20MG (opens new window)
• 08/07/05 - Information to Health Professionals regarding the management of acute stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) resulting from the explosions on the London transport systems on 7th July 2005 (opens new window)
• 07/07/05 - Information to general practitioners (opens new window)
• 21/06/05 - Drug Alert - Class 2 medicines recall - E.R. Squibb & Sons LTD - Staril Tablets 20mg (opens new window)
• 02/06/05 - Drug Alert - Class 4 medicines recalls - Generics (UK) Ltd Livery - MA Holder Solvay Healthcare Ltd - Moxonidine tablets 200, 300 & 400 MCG tablets (opens new window)
• 19/05/05 - Drug Alert - Class 4 medicines defect information - Tenoretic film-coated tablets: Atenolol 100mg with Chlortalidone 25mg (opens new window)
• 21/04/05 - Drug Alert - Class 4 medicines defect information - Losec 10mg capsules (opens new window)
• 19/04/05 - Drug Alert - Class 4 medicines defect information - Augmentin Intravenous 600mg powder For reconstitution (10 vial pack) (opens new window)
• 07/04/05 - Voluntary suspension of Valdecoxib (Bextra) by Pfizer Ltd. (opens new window)
• 02/03/05 - Drug Alert: Class 3 medicines recall - Tillomed Labs Ltd - Half Beta Prograne 80mg sustained release capsules. (opens new window)
• 28/02/05 - Drug Alert - Class 2 medicines recall - Hameln Pharmaceuticals Ltd & Phoenix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 50 & 100 Ml Vials Sodium Chloride Injection 0.9% B.P. (opens new window)
• 17/02/05 - Updated advice on the safety of selective Cox-2 inhibitors (opens new window)
• 17/02/05 - Pharmacy mixture supplied by retail sale in Northern Ireland and mail order supply to the mainland (opens new window)
• 10/02/05 - Ivax Pharmaceuticals Ltd & Norton Healthcare Ltd - Lorazepam -Revision to EL(05)A/01 (opens new window)
• 03/02/05 - Strattera (Atomoxetine) - Risk of Hepatic Disorders (opens new window)
• 31/01/05 - Withdrawal of Co-proxamol products and interim updated prescribing information (opens new window)
• 27/01/05 - Drug Alert - Class 1 medicines recall - Crescent Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Bendrofluazide 2.5 mg tablets (Batch Number 404340 - Blisters of 28 tablets) (opens new window)
• 26/01/05 - Drug Alert - Class 2 medicines recall - pharmacy level recall. IVAX pharmaceuticals Ltd - Lorazepam 1 mg and 2.5 mg tablets (opens new window)
• 12/01/05 - Management of acute stress and post traumatic stress disorder resulting from the Tsunami (Tidal Wave) in the Indian Ocean on 26 December 2004 (opens new window)

2004

• 23/12/04 - Guidance on use and supply of Diamorphine injections (opens new window)
• 22/12/04 - Withdrawal of pregestimil® by Mead Johnson Nutritionals (opens new window)
• 21/12/04 - Advice on the use of celecoxib and other selective cox-2 inhibitors in light of concerns about cardiovascular safety (opens new window)
• 06/12/04 - Safety of SSRI Antidepressants (opens new window)
• 18/11/04 - Updated prescribing advice on the effect of Depo-Provera contraception on bones. (opens new window)
• 04/11/04 - Drug Alert - Class 2 Medicines recall - Revised information on Pulmicort inhalers (opens new window)
• 03/11/04 - Drug Alert - Class 2 Medicines recall - Astrazeneca UK Ltd Pulmicort inhalers (Budesonide) (opens new window)
• 02/11/04 - Drug alert: Class 2 Medicines recall of Astrazeneca Bricanyl 0.25mg/dose pressurised metered dose inhaler- Batch CF493 (opens new window)
• 21/09/04 - vCJD and plasma products (opens new window)
• 02/09/04 - Drug alert - Class 2 medicines recall - Counterfeit product - Reductil 15mg capsules PL00037/0327 (Sibutramine) (opens new window)
• 28/08/04 - Confirmed rabies in a dog in SW France - Exposure period - August 2nd to 21st (opens new window)
• 25/08/04 - Drug Alert - Class 2 medicines recall - Durogesic 50, 75 and 100 MCG/H patches (opens new window)
• 10/08/04 - New childhood vaccines (opens new window)
• 03/08/04 - West Nile Virus - Southern Europe (opens new window)
• 21/07/04 - Drug alert - Class 2 medicines recall of CP Pharmaceuticals LTD Amoxicillin 250 g vials (opens new window)
• 10/06/04 - Drug alert - Class 3 - Methotrexate 10 mg tablets (opens new window)
• 08/06/04 - Class 4 medicines defect information - Changes in the names of certain medicines - confusion between Mercaptamine and Mercaptopurine (opens new window)
• 02/06/04 - Harley Street Wellman Clinic, 57 Harley Street, London W1G 8QS (opens new window)
• 21/05/04 - Mumps (opens new window)
• 20/05/04 - Class 2 Medicines Recall - Transdermal patches (opens new window)
• 06/04/04 - Drug Alert - Class 1 Medicines Recall - Rabies Vaccine (Aventis Pasteur Msd: Batch X0071-6) (opens new window)
• 24/03/04 - Interim NICE guidance on the use of Diathermy on Tonsillectomy (opens new window)
• 16/03/04 - Protecting the blood supply from variant CJD (opens new window)
• 11/03/04 - Paroxetine (Seroxat) reminder to use the recommended dose (opens new window)
• 09/03/04 - Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs And Stroke (opens new window)

2003

• 28/10/03 - Casodex 150 Mg (Bicalutamide) - No longer indicated for treatment of localised Prostate Cancer (opens new window)
• 13/10/03 - Further to Class 4 Medicines Defect Information on Methotrexate Products (opens new window)
• 09/10/03 - Drug Alert Class 4 Medicines Defect - Generics (UK) Ltd Salbutamol Aerosol BP (200 Doses) (opens new window)
• 09/10/03 - Drug Alert Class 4 Medicines Defect - WYETH Laboratories - Some Methotrexate Products (opens new window)
• 19/09/03 - Safety of Venlafaxine in children and adolescents under 18 years in the treatment of depressive illness (opens new window)
• 18/09/03 - Influenza immunisation - Item of Service Payments for at risk groups (opens new window)
• 01/09/03 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - Baxter Healthcare Ltd - Products supplied in VIAFLO bags manufactured at Thetford only (opens new window)
• 29/08/03 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - AMENDED - Generics (UK) Ltd Flucloxacillin 500 mg capsules - several batches affected (opens new window)
• 12/08/03 - Drug Alert Class 2 Medicines Recall - Baxter Healthcare Ltd Sodium Chloride 0.9% Intravenous Infusion BP (opens new window)
• 11/08/03 - Drug Alert Class 3 Medicines Recall - Eprex Solution for injection in pre-filled syringe (opens new window)
• 08/08/03 - Hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer - results of the UK Million Women Study (opens new window)
• 04/08/03 - Drug Alert Class 4 Medicines Defect Information - ALK Abello Epipen Auto Injector 0.3mg (opens new window)
• 08/07/03 - Private Immunisation Clinics at Elstree and Sheffield (opens new window)
• 02/06/03 - Implications of increase in ciprofloxacin-resistant gonorrhea in England and Wales (opens new window)
• 02/05/03 - Update on SARS (opens new window)
• 15/04/03 - Drug Alert Class 3 Medicines Recall - Flamrase SR Tablets 100mg Batch 9159M (opens new window)
• 09/04/03 - Drug Alert - Class 1 Medicines Recall - Batches of Actiq - Fentanyl compressed lozenge (opens new window)
• 07/04/03 - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Update (opens new window)
• 14/03/03 - Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Vietnam and Southern China (opens new window)
• 09/01/03 - Interim guidelines for health professionals on the response to suspected ricin exposure (opens new window)
• 07/01/03 - Concern over Ricin poison in the environment (opens new window)