HPRA

The Health Products Regulatory Authority regulates medicines and devices for the benefit of people and animals.

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

Our latest Drug Safety Newsletter offers healthcare professionals essential information on the safe and effective use of medicines. It includes information on:

➡️ Fezolinetant: Risk of drug induced liver injury with new recommendations on liver function monitoring.

➡️ Enzalutamide and digoxin: Laboratory test interference may cause falsely elevated digoxin plasma levels, with a reminder of the existing interaction.

➡️ Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues: Highlight and reminder of certain safety aspects.

➡️ Updates to product information: Macrogol 3350 with electrolytes (oral use), trimethoprim, and domperidone medicines.

To download the newsletter, visit our website: https://t.co/x0fmoAWDgR

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

Don’t let travel commitments or holiday closures catch you off guard. Make sure your pet has enough of any prescribed medications to last through Christmas and as always keep these stored safely in their original packaging.

See our safety tips for using medicines and medical devices this Christmas: https://t.co/pAeMykbfYu

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

If you keep a first aid box at home, check that you have the medicines, medical devices and other supplies needed to treat minor ailments this Christmas.

This could include paracetamol and ibuprofen as well as a thermometer, plasters, bandages and sterile wipes.

See our safety tips for using medicines and medical devices this Christmas: https://t.co/pAeMykbfYu

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

Feeling under the weather? If you are taking over-the-counter medicines this festive period, make sure to read the patient information leaflet and follow the instructions for use.  

Remember, many cold, flu, and pain medicines contain paracetamol so check the ingredients carefully. You could take too much paracetamol by mistake. 

See our safety tips for using medicines and medical devices this Christmas: https://t.co/pAeMykbfYu

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

If you’re travelling with essential medicines or medical devices this Christmas, see our tips.

Store them safely and securely, and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures for extended periods.

If your medical device relies on electricity or batteries, ensure you have backups in case of power outages or travel delays.  

Make sure you have the right adaptor for the country you are travelling to.

See our safety tips for using medicines and medical devices this Christmas: https://t.co/pAeMykbfYu

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

This festive season, be mindful of how your medicines may interact with food or drink.

Certain products, including some of those we might consume more of at Christmas, can interact with your medicines. They could change how medicines work or increase the risk of side effects.

One of the easiest ways to check if food, alcohol or other drinks could cause an interaction with your medicine is to read the patient information leaflet. You can also ask your pharmacist or GP for advice. 

See our safety tips for using medicines and medical devices this Christmas: https://t.co/pAeMykbfYu

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

Using medicines and medical devices this festive season?

See our helpful safety tips to help you store and use medicines and medical devices.

With festive travel, changes in routine, and seasonal foods, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid health risks. 

See our website for more: https://t.co/pAeMykbfYu

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

This week, we were joined by members of our Patient Forum for our last meeting of 2025. We discussed our work plan for 2026, identifying priority topics for discussion in the year ahead.

We’d like to sincerely thank the members of our Patient Forum for their commitment, and for the valuable perspectives they bring to our work.

Being patient-focused is one of the HPRA’s organisational values. The Patient Forum is an important part of how we do that. It facilitates dialogue and ensures we learn from patient experiences and perspectives as we work to support better patient outcomes.

We look forward to continuing these important conversations next year.

Learn more about our Patient Forum: https://t.co/uVJzCq6jF0

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

If you use a Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump, please be aware of a possible issue.

Some of these pumps may display a ‘Malfunction 16’ message.

If this happens, the pump stops working and insulin delivery will stop. You should switch to your backup method for insulin delivery.

Contact the supplier (Air Liquide) to report the problem and to arrange a replacement pump.

Read our safety notice for more information and advice: https://t.co/qJGyblOC0E

#DiabetesIreland #InsulinPump

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

A press release we issued last week highlighted that only 41% of Irish consumers are aware of the ‘open jar’ symbol on cosmetics packaging.

This symbol shows how long a product is safe to use after opening. After this time has passed, the product may be unsafe to use and less effective.

Learn more in our press release: https://t.co/9StZa0Vsd7

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

If you have a concern about a side effect or adverse event linked to a medicine for animal use, you can report it to us.

Reporting helps to make medicines safer. When you report, we learn more about a medicine.

You can report any suspected reaction, whether mild or serious. You can also report other issues.

Use our online form to report:

➡️ Reactions in animals
➡️ Reactions in people exposed to the medicine
➡️ Medicine not working as expected
➡️ Residues in food above safety limits
➡️ Harmful effects on the environment

Learn more: https://t.co/8ECFav7800

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

Recent consumer research highlights safety concerns about how people use cosmetic products.

Our website offers advice on spotting counterfeit items, using cosmetics safely, and the importance of checking the recommended shelf life or expiry date.

Learn more in our press release issued this week: https://t.co/9StZa0Vsd7

You can also find more advice on the Cosmetics section of our website: https://t.co/OXjCIGoogO

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

Only 41% of Irish consumers are aware of the ‘open jar’ symbol on cosmetics packaging, as published in a HPRA press release today.

This symbol shows how long a product is safe to use after opening. After this time, it may begin to degrade and pose a risk to consumers.

We urge consumers to check expiry dates and the ‘open jar’ symbol on cosmetic labels, and to stop using products after this time has passed.

Learn more in our press release: https://t.co/9StZa0Vsd7

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

Are you thinking about getting dermal fillers? Injecting dermal fillers is an invasive procedure and it carries risk.

After getting fillers, you can experience side effects. Some happen immediately, and some develop later. Sometimes, side effects can be severe.

Going to a qualified and experienced healthcare professional may reduce the risks.

Know the risks – read our consumer advice.

👉 https://t.co/nPYKNbGg3P

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

If you use the HeartSine Samaritan PAD Pad-Pak (03, -03J, -04, -04J and -07) please be aware that the manufacturer has found two possible issues that may stop your AED from working.

➡️The Pad-Pak (which contains the AED battery and electrodes) may not be inserted correctly.
➡️The locator pins on the Pad-Pak may be bent.

Please take the following actions:

👉 Check your device for bent pins and contact the manufacturer for a replacement if needed
👉 Carefully follow the instructions when inserting the Pad-Pak to make sure you have inserted it properly.

Please take a moment to check your device. You can find more information in our Safety Notice: https://t.co/Dmlw2qNVP9

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

Yesterday we hosted our third annual Patient Speaker Programme at the HPRA, focusing on rare diseases. This is a yearly internal event organised for HPRA employees to help us continue to understand and incorporate patient perspectives in the work we do.

A huge thank you to our guest speakers Nuala Ryan from @ncbrsfoundation, Vicky McGrath from @RareDiseasesIE, and Dr. Rachel Crowley for sharing their personal experiences on:

➡️ Living with a rare disease
➡️ Advocacy and policy work by patient organisations
➡️ Clinical research in Ireland and across Europe

This programme is part of our Patient Forum. For more information on the forum, visit: https://t.co/uVJzCq6jF0

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

After getting dermal filler, you may experience side effects. Some can happen immediately, and some can develop later.

If you experienced a side effect from a filler, you can report it to us. Reporting helps us to identify and address safety concerns linked to dermal fillers.

Anyone can report a side effect using our online form.

👉 https://t.co/nPYKNbGg3P

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

Do you administer dermal fillers? Injecting dermal fillers is an invasive procedure and it carries risk.

You should make sure you have the expertise to carry out the procedure and provide the necessary aftercare.

Tell clients or patients about the possible risks and side effects.

To find out what you should consider before administering filler, check our list.

👉 https://t.co/nPYKNbGg3P

[HPRA @TheHPRA]

Are you a vet, veterinary nurse, pharmacist or animal owner?

Do you know where to get the most up to date, accurate information about veterinary medicines for animals you care for?

At https://t.co/1aYBU8884S you can quickly and easily find:
➡️ when a medicine should be used
➡️ correct dosages
➡️ safety warnings
➡️ withdrawal periods
➡️ contraindications
➡️ where to report an adverse reaction to a medicine

For more about the role of the HPRA in animal medicine regulation, watch this short video below or visit our page on resources for vets and animal owners.

👉 https://t.co/HRacLQcxkZ