Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
Please refer to the Department of Health & Social Care Medicine Supply Notification on StaffNet for actions required from prescribers in primary and secondary care, and further information on prescribing alternative bile-acid sequestrants. Please refer to the Department of Health & Social Care Medicine Supply Notification on StaffNet for actions required for clinicians considering treatment for patients presenting with oral ulcers, and clinical information. You should ask your doctor before taking aspirin if you are taking any other medicines including those for blood clots (thrombosis) such as warfarin or gout such as probenecid.
Uncommon features include haematemesis, hyperpyrexia, hypoglycaemia, hypokalaemia, thrombocytopaenia, increased INR/PTR, intravascular coagulation, renal failure and non-cardiac pulmonary oedema.
Summary
Please refer to the NHSGGC Central Prescribing Memorandum on StaffNet for advice to support the management of affected patients. Alka-Seltzer XS contains paracetamol and so other paracetamol-containing preparations should be avoided. The maximum dose of paracetamol for adults is 4g daily. Methylphenidate XL (Xaggitin®) 18mg, 27mg, 36mg and 54mg tablets – there is an active supply problem with all strengths that is expected to last until mid-July 2022. Please note due to the biphasic release profiles, there may be differences in clinical effect between different versions of methylphenidate modified-release preparations. Administration of aspirin at doses greater than 300mg/day, shortly before birth can lead to intra-cranial haemorrhages, particularly in premature babies.
There is a possible association between aspirin and Reye's syndrome when given to children. Reye's syndrome is a very rare disease, which affects the brain and liver, and can be fatal. For this reason aspirin should not be given to children aged under 16 years unless specifically indicated (e.g. Kawasaki's disease). When aspirin has been taken regularly or high doses have been taken then breast-feeding should be discontinued early.Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because ofthe risk of delayed, serious liver damage. Label warning: Do not take anything else containing paracetamol while taking this medicine. Talk to a doctor at once if you take too much of this medicine, even if you feel well. Part II CLAUSE 10 B of the Drug Tariff ‘Drugs and Chemical Reagents in Special Containers’ states the following:
Although clinical and epidemiological evidence suggests the safety of acetylsalicylic acid for use in pregnancy, caution should be exercised when administered to pregnant patients. High doses of acetylsalicylic acid may result in closure of foetal ductus arteriosus in utero and possibly persistent pulmonary hypertension in the new born. Kernicterus may be a consequence of jaundice in neonates. Forced diuresis should not be used since it does not enhance salicylate excretion and may cause pulmonary oedema.
Key Medicine Shortages – June 2022
If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking Alka-Seltzer XS and go to your nearestAccident and Emergency Department or doctorimmediately:
Great Deal 
New Comment