Liposomal and lipid-complex formulations: name change to reduce medication errors

Following reports of serious medication errors (some leading to deaths), liposomal and lipid-complex medicines with a high risk of medication error will explicitly include the qualifier ‘liposomal’, ‘pegylated-liposomal’ or ‘lipid-complex’ within their name.

SPS commentary:

Although the new naming recommendations should reduce the risk of mix-up between different formulations and help to reduce serious and fatal medication errors, healthcare professionals must remain vigilant. Prescribers should be explicit in which medicine they are prescribing, electronic prescribing and dispensing tools should enable a clear distinction to be made between the available formulations, and the dose should be verified against the selected product before administration.

Source:

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency