引 致 更 改 給 病 人 的 產 品 資 訊 的 藥 物 不 良 反 應 警 示
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| European Union: New safety information for Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (English only) |
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European Medicines Agency (EMA) announces that the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) agreed to add atrial fibrillation (irregular, rapid contraction of the heart) as a common side effect to the product information for medicines containing omega-3-acid ethyl esters. These medicines are indicated for the treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia, when a modification of diet and lifestyle alone are not sufficient to bring down levels of triglyceride, a type of fat, in the blood. Hypertriglyceridemia is a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Patients on these medications often have other conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
During a Periodic Safety Update Single Assessment procedure, the PRAC considered systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled clinical trials which highlighted a dose-dependent increased risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with established cardiovascular diseases or cardiovascular risk factors treated with omega-3-acid ethyl esters compared to placebo. The observed risk is highest with a dose of 4 g daily. If atrial fibrillation develops, treatment should be permanently discontinued.
The PRAC agreed to recommend an update to the product information to inform healthcare professionals and patients of the risk of atrial fibrillation. A Direct Healthcare Professional Communication (DHPC) will be sent shortly to provide doctors with further details. Once adopted, this DHPC will be forwarded to the Coordination Group for Mutual Recognition and Decentralised Procedures – Human (CMDh). Following the CMDh opinion, the DHPC will be disseminated to healthcare professionals by the marketing authorisation holder, according to an agreed communication plan, and published on the DHPCs page and in national registers in European Union Member States.
Please refer to the following website in EMA for details:
http://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/meeting-highlights-pharmacovigilance-risk-assessment-committee-prac-25-28-september-2023
In Hong Kong, there is one registered pharmaceutical product containing omega-3-acid ethyl esters, namely Omacor Capsules 1000mg (HK-66442). The product is registered by Lee’s Pharmaceutical (HK) Limited. It is a prescription-only medicine. So far, the Department of Health (DH) has not received any case of adverse drug reaction related to omega-3-acid ethyl esters. In light of the above EMA’s announcement, letters to inform local healthcare professionals will be issued, and the matter will be discussed by the Registration Committee of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
Ends/Tuesday, Oct 3, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:00
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