Safety advice on particular drugs or classes of drugs
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| Singapore: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications and risk of priapism |
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Healthcare professionals have been informed by HSA on the rare overseas reports of prolonged and painful erections (priapism) associated with the use of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications, namely methylphenidate and atomoxetine. The occurrence of this adverse event in relation to changes in dosage appeared to be inconsistent. Some cases occurred subsequent to an increase in methylphenidate dose, whereas others developed during periods of drug withdrawal (i.e., drug holidays or after discontinuation of treatment). Healthcare professionals are advised to take into consideration the potential risk of priapism when prescribing methylphenidate or atomoxetine, or when switching their patients from methylphenidate to atomoxetine. Informing male patients and their caregivers about the risk of developing priapism and the signs and symptoms to look out for may help promote seeking of timely medical attention if priapism develops.
Please refer to the following website of HSA for details:http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal/../attention_deficit.html
In Hong Kong, there are 12 and 19 registered pharmaceutical products containing methylphenidate and atomoxetine respectively and they are all prescription-only medicines. Related news on methylphenidate has been posted on the website of Drug Office subsequent to the announcement by FDA and HSA on 18 December 2013 and 13 March 2014 respectively. A letter to inform healthcare professionals on the risk of priapism from methylphenidate and atomoxetine has been issued subsequent to FDA’s announcement. As reported on 18 December 2013, the matter will be discussed in the meeting of the Registration Committee of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
Ends/ Saturday, April 26, 2014
Issued at HKT 12:30
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