Recalls & terminology changes

The MHRA consolidated its alerts language: “Medicines recall/notification” replaces older “Drug Alert” phrasing; Class 1 recalls now meet National Patient Safety Alert (NatPSA) criteria. Make sure your recall SOP reflects the new terminology and escalation routes.

Bookmark the live alerts/recalls page (gov.uk/drug-device-alerts) and the monthly safety round-up and build a quick ‘who does what’ matrix for out-of-hours recalls.

Medications discontinued this year

Levemir

The manufacturer of Levemir (insulin detemir) has announced a decision to discontinue this product in both the pre-filled pens (FlexPen) and cartridges, with supplies expected to be exhausted by the end of 2026.

The Specialist Pharmacy Service (sps.nhs.uk) offers more information in the Medicines Supply Tool (registration required). It is expected that Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) will take a lead on advising localities about switching to alternative insulins for existing patients when national clinical guidelines are released.

Seroxat

The manufacturer of Seroxat (paroxetine) discontinued the liquid formulation in 2022 and the different strengths of tablets are being phased out by late 2025.

If you have any patients who are still prescribed the branded preparation, they will need to have the generic instead.