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Prescriber Update Articles

These articles are published in Prescriber Update, a publication of Medsafe.  Prescriber Update is distributed by Medsafe to all prescribers and pharmacies in New Zealand.  

Prescriber Update articles are written for doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals in the interests of safer, more effective use of medicines and treatments.  Consumers should contact their doctor or pharmacist if any of the articles raise queries regarding their health, treatment or use of medicines.

To find articles about a particular medicine in the lists below, you can use the 'find' function in your browser.  To do this in Internet Explorer, go to 'Edit' on the Menu bar (or in Netscape Navigator, go to 'Search' on Menu bar) then to 'Find on this page'.  Type in the name of the medicine you are looking for an article about, then click on 'Find next'.  

Most recent issue of Prescriber Update available in PDF format (Acrobat Reader required for viewing)

• Prescriber Update March 2013 (3383 KB)

Link to PDFs of previous issues of Prescriber Update (Acrobat Reader required for viewing)

These articles have been published within the last six months:

• Dabigatran — New Contraindication New
• Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Reports in 2012 New
• Codeine and Ultra-Rapid Metabolisers New
• Tacrolimus — Check the Brand New
• Adverse Reaction Reminder: Tardive Dyskinesia New
• Osteoporosis Treatments and Atypical Femoral Fracture New
• Adverse Reaction Reporting in NZ — 2012 New
• Medicines, Dry Mouth and Tooth Decay New
• Generic Medicines and Bioequivalence New
• Complementary Corner: Tea Tree Oil New
• Urogynaecological Surgical Mesh Implants New
• MARC’s Remarks: December 2012 Meeting New
• Children and Sedating Antihistamines New
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome or Serotonin Syndrome? (Dec 2012)
• Hypomagnesaemia - a Risk Associated with All Proton Pump Inhibitors (Dec 2012)
• The Burning Issue with Pain Relief Creams (Dec 2012)
• Bupropion (Zyban):  Association with Congenital Malformations?
• Do All Antidepressants Cause QT Prolongation?
• Complementary Corner:  Aristolochic Acid and Urothelial Cancer (Dec 2012)
• What Happens to Your Adverse Reaction Reports? (Dec 2012)
• Haloperidol - Dose Recommendations (Dec 2012)
• Corticosteroids and Musculoskeletal Adverse Events (Dec 2012)
• MARC's Remarks:  September 2012 Meeting (Dec 2012)
• Patent Blue V - Anaphylaxis is a Risk (Dec 2012)
• MEDICINES MONITORING:  Ondansetron Added (Dec 2012)

• Prescriber Update Quiz 2012 (Dec 2012)

• Ondansetron: New Dose Restrictions (Sept 2012)

• PML: A Rare but Serious Disease (Sept 2012)
• To SMARS and Beyond (Sept 2012)
• Quinolones — A Tendoncy to Rupture (Sept 2012)
• Statins — A Risk of Diabetes Mellitus? (Sept 2012)
• Publication of Recalls in New Zealand (Sept 2012)
• MARC’s Remarks: June 2012 Meeting (Sept 2012)
• Antibiotics and Liver Injury — Be Suspicious (Sept 2012)
• Classification of Medicines (Sept 2012)
• Complementary Corner: Dangerous Liaisons (Sept 2012)
• Metal-on-Metal Hips — Updated Recommendations (Sept 2012)
• Hypnotics: No Time to be Weary (Sept 2012)
• The New Zealand Formulary is Now Available (Sept 2012)
• MEDICINES MONITORING: Ibuprofen Added (Sept 2012)

Alphabetical listing of articles by subject matter (usually the medicine):

• ACE inhibitors and ARBs - combination use not recommended (May 2009)
• ACE Inhibitors in Early Pregnancy (Dec 1998)
• Acitretin (Neotigason) - points to remember (June 2010)
• Adulterated erectile dysfunction products: on the rise in New Zealand
• Adverse Reaction Reporting in New Zealand in 2011 (Mar 2012)
• Adverse reaction reporting - summary for 2010 (Mar 2011)
• Adverse Reactions of Current Concern (updated Apr 2004)
  (please use the back button in your browser to return to this page)
• Your Guide to Adverse Reaction Reporting (Sept 2001)
• Alendronate case report - the importance of patient counselling (June 2010)
• Alendronate - risk of low-energy femoral shaft fracture (Nov 2009)
• Alendronate and Inflammatory Adverse Reactions (May 2006)
• Alendronate and Oesophageal Ulceration (Apr 1998)
• Case report: Stevens-Johnson syndrome associated with the use of allopurinol (June 2010)
• Watch out for amiodarone’s eye effects (June 2011)
• Keep an Eye on Amiodarone Patients (Feb 2005)
• Watching Briefs - Ototoxicity with aminoglycoside ear drops (Oct/Nov 2007)
• Combination anticoagulants - increased bleeding risk (Aug 2009)
• Anticonvulsants and congenital malformations (Feb 2009)
• Anticonvulsant Hypersensitivity Syndrome (Apr 1998)
• The use of antidepressants in pregnancy (Sept 2010)
• Health Professional letter re. Updated information and advice about the use of antidepressant medicines (19 Oct 2004) 129KB PDF - Acrobat Reader required to view
• Antiepileptic medicines - increased risk of suicidality ( May 2009)
• Antipsychotics and cardiac safety (Feb 2010)
• Metabolic effects of antipsychotics (May 2009)
• Conventional antipsychotics and mortality risk - carefully assess risks and benefits before use in elderly dementia patients (Feb 2009)
• Diabetes and Antipsychotic Drugs (Nov 2004)
• Atypical Antipsychotics May Cause Hypertension (Apr 2003)
• Hyperprolactinaemia with Antipsychotics (May 2001)
• Disease-modifying Anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Benefits and Risks (May 1999)
• Hepatitis B reactivation associated with the anti-TNF agents, Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab) and Remicade (infliximab) - letter sent to specialists (Nov 2006)
  145KB PDF - Acrobat Reader required to view
• Antithrombotic Medicines – Still Causing Bleeding (Mar 2012)
• Apotex metformin tablets cannot be accurately halved (Sept 2010)
• Aqueous Cream – Moisturiser or Irritant? (Mar 2012)
• Premature ovarian failure with Avastin (Sept 2011)
• Avastin - intraoccular administration (May 2009)
• Alert: Safety of Ayurvedic products – reports of lead poisoning (Dec 2011)
• Azathioprine-Allopurinol Interaction:  Danger! (Dec 1998)
• Resensitisation to Bee and Wasp Venom (Mar 1999)
• Adverse Respiratory Reactions to Long-acting Beta-agonists (May 1999)
• Diarrhoea with Beta-blockers - Blast from the Past (Apr 2004)
• Reminder: keeping an eye on bisphosphonates (Sept 2011)
• Bisphosphonates and atrial fibrillation - risk update (Feb 2009)
• Osteonecrosis of the jaw and bisphosphonates - putting the risk in perspective (Oct 2007)
• Bisphosphonates and Osteonecrosis of the Jaws - article published by the NZ Dental Association (July 2006)
  Reprinted from NZDA News, June 2006, Volume 130, pp 36-37 with permission from the New Zealand Dental Association. 156KB PDF - Acrobat Reader required to view
• Also Bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw (May 2006)
• Bupropion (Zyban™) for Second-Line Treatment Only (Sept 2001)
• Complementary Corner: Butterbur and Liver Toxicity (Jun 2012)
• Too Much Caffeine (Aug 1999)
• The Safety of Calcium Antagonists: An Update (Jan 2000)
• Helping Medicine Capsules Go Down (May 2003)
• Potentially Serious Adverse Effects of Carbamazepine: Blood Dyscrasias and Skin Rash (Apr 1999)
• The use of varenicline (Champix) in NZ: key findings from IMMP study
• Psychiatric reactions with cholesterol-lowering agents (Nov 2006)
• Topical oral choline salicylate gels - safety in children (Aug 2009)
• Updated advice: ceftriaxone and calcium precipitation (Sept 2011)
• Indication Changes for Cisapride (Nov 2000)
• Cisapride and Arrhythmias (Nov 1999)
• Citalopram and Escitalopram – Similar Risk of QT Prolongation? (Mar 2012)
• Medicines classification update (Feb 2010)
• Clopidogrel and omeprazole - interaction now confirmed (Feb 2010)
• Clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors - possible interaction (Aug 2009)
• Clozapine: impacts on the colon (June 2011)
• Clozapine And Achy Breaky Hearts (Myocarditis And Cardiomyopathy) (June 2008)
• Clozapine: Fatal 'constipation' more common than fatal agranulocytosis (Mar 2007)
• Clozapine Patients Presenting with Symptoms of Infection (Nov 2004)
• Clozapine and Cardiac Safety: Updated Advice for Prescribers (May 2003) 
• Potentially fatal complications of clozapine therapy: myocarditis, venous thromboembolism and constipation (Oct 2000)
• Clozapine and Hyperglycaemia (May 1999)
• Codeine and breastfeeding (Dec 2010)
• Codeine - classification and labelling changes (June 2010)
• Watching Briefs - Codeine in breastfeeding - risk of fatal infant morphine toxicity (June 2008)
• Colchicine: Beware of toxicity and interactions (Mar 2011)
• Colchicine – safe use is critical (June 2006)
• Colchicine: Lower doses for greater safety (Nov 2005)
• Colchicine Toxicity Prompts Dosage Change (Dec 1998)
• Complementary Medicine Corner:
  Complementary Corner: Propolis – reports of hypersensitivity reactions (Sept 2010)
• Adverse events in children using complementary and alternative medicines (Mar 2011)
• Complementary Corner: Echinacea – not to be sneezed at (Sept 2011)
• Reporting adverse reactions (Nov 2009)
• Complementary Medicine Corner - Safety of Green Tea extracts (Aug 2009)
• Risk of myalgia with red yeast rice extract (May 2009)
  Black cohosh and hepatotoxicity - as about use and look for signs (Feb 2009)
• Reminder about obtaining patient consent (Nov 2005)
• Corticosteroids and avascular necrosis (May 2009)
• Topical Corticosteroids: Face Facts (Dec 2005)
• Inhaled Corticosteroids - Watch for Skin Atrophy (Mar 2004)
• Growth Retardation with Inhaled and Intranasal Corticosteroids (Sept 2001)
• Cough and cold medicines update (Mar 2011)
• Cough and cold medicines - update and reminder (June 2010)
• Cough and cold medicines clarification - antihistamines (Feb 2010)
• Cough and cold products - an update (May 2009)
• Cough and cold medicines - further contraindication recommended (Nov 2009)
• Counterfeit Medicines - Don't Fake Concern (Jun 2005)
• COX-2 inhibitors:
  Update on COX-2 inhibitors (Nov 2005)
  Prescribing restrictions for all COX-2 inhibitors (April 2005)
  COX-2 Inhibitors - Where to From Here? (Nov 2004)
  Visual Disturbances with COX-2 Inhibitors (Mar 2004)
  COX-2 Inhibitors and Hepatotoxicity (Apr 2003)
  Interaction between COX-2 inhibitors and Warfarin (Sept 2001)
  Acute Psychiatric Reactions with COX-2 Inhibitors (June 2002)
  Can Patients Stomach COX-2 Inhibitors? (June 2002)
• Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions: More than skin deep (Nov 2005)
• Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa): Summary of reports to CARM (Dec 2011)
• Dabigatran – is there a bleeding problem? (Sept 2011)
• Syncope and Dementia Treatment - Catching the Falls (Jun 2005)
• Update on Valvular Abnormalities with Dexfenfluramine and Fenfluramine (July 2000)
• Valvular Abnormalities with Dexfenfluramine and Fenfluramine (Jun 1999)
• Dextropropoxyphene: FDA advice highlights cardiac risks (Mar 2011)
• Dextropropoxyphene withdrawal on 1 August 2010 - a reminder (June 2010)
• Dextropropoxyphene - review concludes risk-benefit balance unfavourable (Feb 2010)
• Dextropropoxyphene-Paracetamol Combination Products and Risk Of Overdose (Oct 2006)
• Impulsive Behaviours With Dopamine Agonists (May 2008)
• Doxazosin and the ALLHAT study (Dec 2000)
• Doxycycline and Oesophageal Ulceration (Dec 1999)
• Oesophagitis with Doxycycline and Others (Oct 2003)
• DRESS syndrome: remember to look under the skin (June 2011)
• Drowsiness - remember to warn patients (Nov 2009)
• Drug-induced QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes – the facts (Dec 2010)
• Electronic adverse reaction reports - please include medication dates (Aug 2009)
• Launch of an electronic adverse reaction reporting tool (May 2009)
• Eltroxin Update (Feb 2009)
• Watching Briefs - Eltroxin tablets: new formulation so don't halve or crush (Oct/Nov 2007)
• EMLA Cream Safe & Effective (But Caution in the First Three Months of Life) (Nov 1999)
• Update: Erectile dysfunction medicines being imported into New Zealand (Dec 2011)
• Complementary Corner: Essential oils associated with seizures (Dec 2011)
• Etanercept and uveitis (Aug 2009)
• Ezetimibe and pancreatitis - emerging evidence (Feb 2009)
• Watch for muscle disorders with ezetimibe too (Nov 2006)
• Fentanyl patches – different brands are not interchangeable (Sept 2010)
• Finasteride - association with male breast cancer cannot be excluded (Feb 2010)
• Cardiac risks associated with flecainide (May 2009)
• Potential for Flu Vaccine Interactions Exists (Oct 2004)
• Flutamide case report: Serious hepatic reaction (Feb 2010)
• Agitation, Restlessness and Suicidal Behaviour with Fluoxetine, Paroxetine and Sertraline (Sept 2002)
• Gadolinium based contrast agents and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (Sept 2011)
• Glitazones: Fluid Retention, Cardiac Failure and Macular Oedema (Nov 2007)
• Seeing drug induced glaucoma? (June 2011)
• Global operation against illegal and counterfeit medicines (Dec 2010)
• Glyceryl trinitrate for rectal use now pharmacist-only (Aug 2009)
• Parenteral Gold and Acute Vasodilatory Reactions (Mar 1999)
• Graseby syringe drivers – deadline passed (Dec 2011)
• Graseby pump withdrawal – change to target date and alternative (Sept 2010)
• Graseby MS-Series Syringe Drivers - deadline extended (Feb 2010)
• Metal-on-Metal Replacement Hip Implants (Jun 2012)
• HRT (hormone replacement therapy):
  HRT - New advice from the Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee (Nov 2003)
  Hormone Replacement Therapy - Rapid Review (Nov 2002)
  Letter to Health Professionals about HRT (Sept 2002)
  Updated HRT Guideline Released (June 2001)
  HRT & Breast Cancer, Endometrial Cancer & Venous Thromboembolism (Apr 1998)
• Medication error – confusion over Humalog insulins (Dec 2010)
• Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome (Oct 2003)
• Hypnotics and anxiolytics – a wake up call (Dec 2010)
• Safety signal - serious hyponatraemia (Nov 2009)
• Reminder – skin cancer risk with immunosuppressant treatment (Sept 2010)
• Poorly Recognised Adverse Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids (Apr 1998)
• Reminder: Depression and Suicidality Can Occur with Interferon Use (Mar 2012)
• Prescribing and Buying Medicine on the Internet - A Risky Business (Dec 2005)
• Iodine tablets for healthy pregnant and breastfeeding women (Dec 2010)
• Acne, isotretinoin and depression – inform and monitor (Sept 2011)
• Isotretinoin - indications and teratogenicity (May 2009)
• Isotretinoin - contraception is critical (Nov 2005)
• Acne, Isotretinoin and Depression (Jun 2005)
• Avoiding Teratogenicity with Isotretinoin (Aug 2002)
• Acute Depression and Isotretinoin (Dec 1998)
• Itraconazole-induced Congestive Heart Failure (Oct 2003)
• Ketamine classification change – important information (Sept 2010)
• Watching Briefs - LABAs: reminder about safe prescribing (Oct/Nov 2007)
• Drug Safety in Lactation (May 2001)
• Lamotrigine - reduced dose required in patients already taking sodium valproate (Nov 2009)
• Lantus (insulin glargine) and cancer - no conclusive evidence of higher risk (Nov 2009)
• Leflunomide – if in doubt wash it out (June 2011)
• Leflunomide – Update On Serious Toxicity (June 2008)
• Leflunomide and Pneumonitis (Mar 2006)
• Leflunomide - watch for respiratory symptoms (Nov 2005)
• Leflunomide: Serious Multi-System Adverse Effects (Apr 2004)
• Renal dangers associated with long term lithium use (Sept 2010)
• Adverse reactions associated with intra-articular use of local anaesthetics (June 2010)
• MARC's Remarks: March 2012 Meeting (Jun 2012)
• MARC’s Remarks: December Meeting (Mar 2012)
• MARC’s Remarks: September meeting (Dec 2011)
• MARC roundup and recommendations (Sept 2011)
• MEDICINES MONITORING: New Medicines Added (Jun 2012)
• MEDICINES MONITORING: New Medicine Added (Mar 2012)
• MEDICINES MONITORING: Sildenafil and Proton Pump Inhibitors (Dec 2011)
• MEDICINES MONITORING: New medicines added (Sept 2011)
• MEDICINES MONITORING: Reminder to report  (June 2011)
• MEDICINES MONITORING: Launch of a new scheme (Mar 2011)
• A new look for medicine information on the Medsafe website (Feb 2010)
• Medicine recalls (June 2010)
• Medicines Regulations changes – not yet in force (June 2011)
• Changes to the Medicines Regulations - what you need to know (Mar 2011)
• Medicine quality complaints (June 2010)
• Metformin and Fatal Lactic Acidosis (Apr 1998)
• Cardiac Vigilance Recommended for Methadone (Nov 2005)
• Methaemoglobinaemia - signs and risk factors (Aug 2009)
• Methylphenidate - updated guidance when treating children (June 2010)
• Miconazole - Warfarin Interaction Reminder (May 2003)
• I've Missed A Dose; What Should I Do? (May 2003)
• Modafinil safety review – a wake up call (Dec 2011)
• Beware of systemic fungal infections in patients taking monoclonal antibodies (Sept 2010)
• IMMP Insertion Studies of the Multiload Intrauterine Device (Oct 2003)
• Nevirapine (Viramune) - Methadone Interaction (Nov 1999)
• Nicobrevin – Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks? (Mar 2012)
• Nitrofurantoin –  Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks Long-Term (Jun 2012)
• Nitrofurantoin – monitor lung function in long-term use (June 2006)
• Pulmonary Reactions with Nitrofurantoin (May 2002)
• Nitrous oxide - side effects reminder (Aug 2009)
• NSAIDs can SCAR (Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reaction) (Jun 2012)
• Reducing the risk of GI reactions with NSAIDs and/or COX-2 inhibitors (Dec 2010)
• Medicines interaction report - NSAIDs (May 2009)
• Non-Selective NSAIDS – Cardiovascular, Skin And Gastrointestinal Risks (June 2008)
• NSAIAs can cause lower GIT damage (May 2001)
• Necrotising Fasciitis Associated with NSAIDs (Oct 2000)
• NSAID-induced Bronchospasm - A Common & Serious Problem (Mar 1999)
• Endometrial Cancer and Low Potency Oestrogen (Dec 1999)
• Watching Briefs - Patient consent and off-label use of medicines (Oct/Nov 2007)
• Omeprazole and risk of hypomagnesaemia (June 2010)
• Omeprazole and pantoprazole now pharmacist-only (Nov 2009)
• Watching Briefs - Omeprazole and Headaches (June 2008)
• Omeprazole May Elevate Clozapine Levels (Sept 2002)
• Omeprazole-induced interstitial nephritis (Nov 2000)
• Oral Contraceptives:
  Progestogen-Only Emergency Contraception and Ectopic Pregnancy (Oct 2002)
  Oral Contraceptives, HPV and Risk of Cervical Cancer (Oct 2002)
  Letter to Doctors/Midwives/Pharmacists about VTE with cyproterone-containing OCs (Mar 2002)
  Venous Thromboembolism with Diane 35™ and Estelle 35™ (Mar 2002)
  Ministry of Health (Medsafe) advice on the use of combined oral contraceptives (Mar 2002)
  Patient Info Leaflet - An Update on Oral Contraceptives and Blood Clots (Mar 2002)
  Letter to NZ doctors, midwives & pharmacists about third generation oral contraceptive pills (June 2000)
  Ministry of Health (Medsafe) advice on the use of combined oral contraceptives (June 2000)
  New Zealand Study of Deaths from Pulmonary Embolism in Women of Child-Bearing Age (June 2000)
  Update On Deaths With Third Generation Oral Contraceptives (May 1999)
  Avoiding Pregnancy Risk When Changing Oral Contraceptives (Mar 1999)
  Oral Contraceptives and Venous Thromboembolism (Feb 1999)
  Deaths with Third Generation Oral Contraceptives (Dec 1998)
  The Safety of Combined Oral Contraceptives - Ischaemic & Haemorrhagic Stroke, Breast & Cervical Cancer (Aug 1997)
  Advice on the Use of Combined Oral Contraceptives (July 1996)
  The Risk of Venous Thromboembolism with Third Generation Oral Contraceptives (Feb 1996)
  POPs: An Option Post-VTE  (June 2002)
• Combined oral contraceptives and VTE - putting the risk into perspective (Mar 2011)
• Osteonecrosis: A Pain in the Jaw (Jun 2012)
• Medical oxygen in the home - safety considerations (Aug 2009)
• Drug-Induced Pancreatitis: An Unlucky DIP (Dec 2005)
• Paracetamol toxicity in children – let’s reduce the risk (June2011)
• An association between paracetamol and asthma (Feb 2009)
• Care needed with liquid paracetamol dosing advice for children (Nov 2006)
• Peanut Allergy (October 2000)
• Beware - Peanut Oil is Present in Some Medicines! (Jun 2012)
• Medicines interactions: the role of P-glycoprotein (Sept 2011)
• Death Associated with a Face Peeling Product Containing Phenol (Mar 1999)
• Phosphate containing laxatives - hyperphosphataemia and kidney damage (May 2009)
• Phosphodiesterase (Type 5) inhibitors and sudden hearing loss (Feb 2009)
• Summer reminder - photosensitivity reactions (Feb 2010)
• Management of Postpartum Haemorrhage (Dec 1998)
• Test your knowledge: Prescriber Update Quiz 2011 (Dec 2011)
• Prescription medicines obtained via the internet - advice for prescribers (Aug 2009)
• Watching Briefs - Prexige: monthly liver function tests required (Oct/Nov 2007)
• Intravenous promethazine - reports of serious tissue injuries  (Nov 2009)
• Proton pump inhibitors and interstitial nephritis (Sept 2011)
• Proton pump inhibitors and interstitial nephritis (June 2006)
• update: Quetiapine and cardiomyopathy – an emerging safety signal (Dec 2011)
• Quinine is not indicated for nocturnal leg cramps (Dec 2010)
• Watching Briefs - Quinine: not for leg cramps anymore (Oct/Nov 2007)
• Watching Briefs - Tendon disorders with quinolone antibiotics (Oct/Nov 2007)
• Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome - Medicine Induced? (Jun 2012)
• Evidence, risk and the patient (Oct 2007)
• Suspension of rosiglitazone (Avandia and Avandamet) in New Zealand (Mar 2011)
• Rosiglitazone and cardiovascular risk – current advice (Sept 2010)
• Update on rotavirus vaccines (June 2010)
• Update on Salamol inhalers (Nov 2005)
• Seasonal Flu Vaccine – Spontaneous Reporting in 2011 (Mar 2012)
• Seasonal flu vaccine - an update on spontaneous reporting (Mar 2011)
• Seasonal flu vaccine - summary of spontaneous reporting in New Zealand (Feb 2010)
• Selegiline in Parkinson's Disease (Nov 1999)
• Selenium (July 2000)
• Serotonergic agents and discontinuation syndrome - reminder (Feb 2010)
• Serotonin syndrome/toxicity – reminder (Dec 2010)
• Medicines interaction - SSRIs and dextromethorphan (May 2009)
• Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors - use in children & adolescents (Feb 2009)
• Withdrawal of sibutramine (Reductil) in New Zealand (Dec 2010)
• Warning: Adulterated Sildenafil Found to Contain Gliclazide (Jun 2012)
• High dose simvastatin increases myopathy risk (Sept 2011)
• SMARS Launch (Jun 2012)
• Interaction: Sodium valproate and carbapenems - new information (June 2010)
• Somatropin - Is there an Increased Risk of Mortality? (Jun 2012)
• SSRIs – still associated with cases of bleeding (Dec 2011)
• SSRI Use In Pregnancy – Collaborative Decision-Making Is Key (June 2008)
• Increased risk of bleeding with SSRIs (Nov 2006)
• SSRI-TCA interactions and serotonin syndrome (June 2006)
• Health Professional Letter re. Use of  SSRI antidepressants in children and adolescents (22 Mar 2004) PDF - Acrobat Reader required to view
• Complementary Corner: St John’s Wort and Serotonin Syndrome (Mar 2012)
• Interactions with St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Preparations (Apr 2000)
  Medsafe consumer leaflet: Safety alert - St. John's Wort and Prescribed Medicines
• Statins, Ciclosporin and the Risk of Myopathy (Jun 2012)
• Statin interactions: reports of serious myopathy (June 2011)
• Statin reminder – myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and interactions (Nov 2006)
• Myopathy with Statins: Check CK Levels and Interactions (May 2004)
• Dose Titration Recommended when Switching Statins (Apr 1998)
• Low dose oral steroids can increase fracture risk (Feb 2002)
• Stilboestrol - Gone but not forgotten (May 2006)
• Suicidality - a rare adverse effect (Feb 2010)
• Cerebrovascular events with Sumatriptan (Mar 2002)
• Top Ten Adverse Events to Sumatriptan in the IMMP (Apr 1998)
• Syringe driver pumps - clearing up the confusion (Mar 2011)
• Preventing Medication Errors: Tacrolimus Case Study (Mar 2012)
• Talking the Talk (Jan 2002)
• Tamoxifen: CYP2D6 interactions and variable clinical response (June 2011)
• Tamoxifen and Venous Thromboembolism (Mar 1999)
• Tasmar (tolcapone) and Adverse Hepatic Events (Dec 1998)
• Terbinafine: serious hepatic and haematological reactions (Nov 2006)
• Test your knowledge - end of Prescriber Update quiz (Dec 2010)
• Tetracyclines and Benign Intracranial Hypertension - a headache rare but real (Jan 2001)  Thioridazine Prescribing Reminder (Jun 2005)
• Thioridazine and Arrhythmia: Prescribing Changes (June 2001)
• Tiaprofenic acid-induced Cystitis (Sept 2001)
• Ticlopidine, Clopidogrel and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (Oct 2000)
• Tramadol - key points for prescribing (June 2010)
• Evidence For Tramadol-Warfarin Interaction (Oct 2006)
• Serious reactions with tramadol: seizures and serotonin syndrome (Oct 2007)
• Tramadol (Oct 2000)
• Thrombosis with Tranexamic acid for Menorrhagia (Oct 2003)
• Transdermal medicine patches – risk of burns during MRI scans
• A Dangerous Trio (June 2002)
• Travellers' Thrombosis (Sept 2001)
• Adverse reactions to topical anaesthetics (May 2009)
• Tumour Necrosis Factor Inhibitors – Recognise And Treat Infection Promptly (June 2008)
• Use of unapproved medicines in New Zealand (Aug 2009)
• Unapproved Use of Medicines (June 2003/April 1998)
• Vaccines/Immunisation:
  Surveillance of Adverse Events Following MeNZB™ Immunisation (Nov 2004) 
  Reassuring News on Suspected Vaccine Adverse Reactions (Mar 2002)
  MMR Vaccine Not Associated with Bowel Disease & Autism (Dec 1999)
  MMR Vaccine, Bowel Disease and Autism (Apr 1998)
  Current Evidence - No Link Between Vaccination and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (Dec 1999)
  Vaccine Adverse Reactions: Separating Fact from Speculation (Dec 1998)
  Hypotonic-Hyporesponsive Episodes to Immunisation (Apr 1998)
• IMMP Update: Varenicline (Champix) Monitoring (Mar 2012)
• Psychiatric reactions with varenicline: interim results from intensive monitoring in New Zealand (May 2009)
• Viagra reminder: Ask! Don't be shy! (May 2001)
• Vigabatrin and Visual Field Defects (Oct 1999)
• Vitamin K Prophylaxis in the Newborn (Jan 2001)
• Warfarin - reports of serious adverse reactions continue (June 2010)
• Watching Briefs - Warfarin, cranberry and herbs: watch for interactions (Oct/Nov 2007)
• Miconazole oral gel interaction with warfarin (Nov 2005)
• Influenza infection, Relenza (zanamivir) and Adverse Respiratory Events (Jan 2000)
• Zoledronic acid associated with adverse effects on renal function (June 2010)
• Dependence with Zopiclone (Apr 1998)