Mij
Senior Member (Voting Rights)
Safety warnings for gabapentinoids, benzodiazepines, and non-benzodiazepines (z drugs) are to be strengthened to give doctors and patients clearer information about the known risks.
The drugs are commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as neuropathic pain, anxiety, and insomnia and are taken by more than a million patients.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said that a safety review1 had shown current wording on packaging and labels did not sufficiently convey the risks of dependency, addiction, and withdrawal associated with the drugs.
As part of the change, the drugs will be required to carry a warning on their packaging stating that they “may cause addiction, dependence, and withdrawal reactions.”
Patient information leaflets will also be updated to include clearer definitions of dependence and addiction, improved guidance on how to taper and stop use safely, and information to encourage conversations between patients and healthcare professionals during their treatment.
The BMJ
The drugs are commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as neuropathic pain, anxiety, and insomnia and are taken by more than a million patients.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said that a safety review1 had shown current wording on packaging and labels did not sufficiently convey the risks of dependency, addiction, and withdrawal associated with the drugs.
As part of the change, the drugs will be required to carry a warning on their packaging stating that they “may cause addiction, dependence, and withdrawal reactions.”
Patient information leaflets will also be updated to include clearer definitions of dependence and addiction, improved guidance on how to taper and stop use safely, and information to encourage conversations between patients and healthcare professionals during their treatment.
The BMJ