Updates ·
Health notices · Friday 11 September
3 notices from the agencies today, in plain words, each with the original linked.
FDA approves pimavanserin for Parkinson’s disease psychosis
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) · Approval
If you have Parkinson’s disease psychosis, FDA approval brings access to NUPLAZID (pimavanserin). Parkinson’s disease psychosis means hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and delusions.
This approval is for treating hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis, using NUPLAZID as described on the label.
CDC reiterates tetanus vaccination recommendations for all ages
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · Guidance
If you need tetanus protection, CDC recommends vaccination for children and adolescents, with additional booster doses for adults.
Tetanus is uncommon but very serious and needs immediate hospital treatment. Vaccines are the best way to protect against it, and protection decreases over time.
What to do
- Talk to a vaccine provider if you have questions about tetanus vaccines.
- Tell the vaccine provider if you or your child had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a tetanus vaccine or have a life-threatening allergy to any part of the vaccine.
Filters should be used during parenteral nutrition
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) · Safety
If you receive parenteral nutrition, it is given through a vein while avoiding the digestive system. The MHRA says it has been linked to adverse incidents when it is given without a filter.
Filters help stop unwanted particles entering the bloodstream, which may be harmful. An integrated filter may already be part of your administration set; if not, an add-on filter may be required.
If you or your family administer parenteral nutrition at home, make sure you have had appropriate training for the filter setup. Speak to your healthcare professional if you have concerns.
What to do
- Use integrated or add-on filters during the administration of parenteral nutrition for patients in all care settings.
- Report suspected side effects to parenteral nutrition on the Yellow Card scheme.
- Speak to your healthcare professional if you have concerns on the use of filters with your parenteral nutrition.