Published: 10 December 2015

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MARC's Remarks: September 2015 Meeting

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Prescriber Update 36(4): 53
December 2015

The Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee (MARC) met on 10 September 2015 to discuss a number of medicine-related safety issues.

A summary of published observational studies investigating the possible association between human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and autoimmune conditions was presented to and discussed by the MARC. The MARC considered that there is no safety concern relating to the development of autoimmune conditions after HPV vaccination.

In addition, the MARC was presented with the Coroner's draft report on the sudden death of an 18-year-old female six months following the third dose of HPV vaccination. This followed from the 141st meeting of the MARC held on 11 March 2010 when this case was first discussed. The MARC noted the Coroner's findings.

The MARC discussed the use of nitrofurantoin in patients with renal impairment. The MARC considered that the contraindication in patients with a creatinine clearance of less than 60 mL/min should remain. Further information can be found in this edition of Prescriber Update 1.

The MARC reviewed the available information on penicillin cross reactivity with cephalosporins and considered that advice from the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy would be useful to aid further discussion on this topic.

Finally, the MARC discussed the risk of interstitial lung disease with the use of statins. Healthcare professionals should be aware that interstitial lung disease can occur with the use of any statin and the statin should be stopped if this is suspected.

Further information on this meeting can be found on the Medsafe website (www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/adverse/Minutes163.htm).

References
  1. Medsafe. 2015. Nitrofurantoin - Not suitable in renal impairment. Prescriber Update 36(4): 51-52.
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