fumarates and Hemorrhage

Main pharmacovigilance updates in 2012 are reviewed here. Dabigatran: elderly patients with renal failure are at higher risk of bleeding. Dual renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade comprising aliskiren is harmful. Incretins: low risk of acute pancreatitis. Interaction between fusidic acid and statins: many reports of rhabdomyolysis. Interactions between boceprevir/telaprevir and antiretroviral therapies: complex, but manageable. Citalopram, ondansetron: maximum recommended doses are reduced. Atomoxetine: significant increase in blood pressure and heart rate in a fraction of exposed patients. Agomelatine: elevated liver enzymes are common. Fingolimod: bradycardia and heart blocks after first dose - stronger safety recommendations regarding use in patients with heart conditions and strengthened cardiovascular monitoring.

Topics: Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; Age Factors; Aged; Amides; Antihypertensive Agents; Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; Benzimidazoles; beta-Alanine; Cardiovascular Diseases; Dabigatran; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Fibrinolytic Agents; Fumarates; Hemorrhage; Humans; Pharmacovigilance; Propylamines

Ferrous fumarate (Fersamal) and ferrous carbonate (Ferrodic) may produce false-positive results with the orthotolidine tablet tests (Occultest and Hematest) if administered to patients being investigated for alimentary bleeding. Misleading results are also likely if the benzidine test is employed as a filter-paper procedure. Ferrous sulphate, gluconate, succinate, iron and ammonium citrate, and other preparations of iron have no influence on the modern tablet tests for occult alimentary bleeding.

Topics: Blood Chemical Analysis; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Ferrous Compounds; Fumarates; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Hemorrhage; Humans; Iron; Occult Blood; Pharmacology