In August 2007, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) launched its monthly Drug Safety Update.1 As would be expected from a publication produced by the MHRA, it is based on robust analysis of pharmacovigilance data and evidence, and has received NHS Evidence accreditation. Drug Safety Update has established itself as one of the most influential sources of new information about the safety of medicines for UK-based healthcare professionals. Articles describe the nature of the safety problem and in the majority of cases outline what actions should be taken to mitigate the identified risk. However, on occasion safety notices have not included any practical implementation advice. …