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Field Safety Notices Issued March 2-6, 2026

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published a list of Field Safety Notices (FSNs) issued between March 2 and March 6, 2026. These notices detail safety concerns and required actions for specific medical devices, including those from ArjoHuntleigh, BD, Cook, Löwenstein, and OXOID.

GLP-1/GIP Agonists: Strengthened Pancreatitis Warnings

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has updated product information for GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists to strengthen warnings about the risk of severe acute pancreatitis, including necrotising and fatal cases. Healthcare professionals are advised to be vigilant and report suspected adverse reactions.

Semaglutide Drug Linked to Optic Neuropathy Risk

The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued guidance regarding a rare risk of Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) associated with semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus). Healthcare professionals are advised to refer patients with sudden vision loss for ophthalmological examination and to consider discontinuing semaglutide if NAION is confirmed.

Chikungunya Vaccine (IXCHIQ) Use Restrictions Updated

The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has updated restrictions for the IXCHIQ Chikungunya vaccine following a safety review. The vaccine is no longer indicated for individuals over 60 and is contraindicated for those with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease.

Isotretinoin Prescribing Guidance Updated

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has updated prescribing guidance for isotretinoin, removing the requirement for a second prescriber for patients under 18. New risk minimisation measures, including an updated Acknowledgement of Risk Form, have been introduced to ensure safe prescribing.

MHRA Advertising Investigations and Decisions

The MHRA has published decisions following investigations into advertising complaints for licensed medicines, specifically concerning weight loss treatments. Ten decisions were made in February 2026 regarding websites and services that highlighted medicinal treatments for weight loss.