Cumbria

Prevention of Future Death Notice – the EPS system does not highlight urgent prescriptions to pharmacies

  “The EPS system does NOT allow urgent prescriptions to be highlighted to the receiving pharmacy when sent from a […]

Electronic repeat dispensing toolkit

Electronic repeat dispensing (eRD) is an integral part of EPS, which offers many extra benefits over paper repeat dispensing and repeat prescribing.

NHS Digital have recently published an Electronic Repeat Dispensing Toolkit, available at which contains useful tools. You can also sign up for some eRD webinars to find out more. The toolkit includes an e-learning package, developed by NECS in conjunction with NHS Digital which can also be accessed through the NECS Medicines website.

Name change of Camcolit 250mg tablets

The proprietary (brand) name of “Camcolit 250mg tablets” has changed to “Lithium Carbonate Essential Pharma 250 mg film-coated tablets”, effective from 1st October 2015.

Controlled Drugs: Learning from Incidents October 2015

NECS supports the NHS England Area Team Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer in ensuring the safe management and use of controlled drugs within the North East & Cumbria region. Based on the commonly reported incidents and the lessons learned, we aim to share good practice across the region.

Mirabegron: risk of severe hypertension and associated cerebrovascular and cardiac events

Mirabegron is now contraindicated in patients with severe uncontrolled hypertension; advice about regular monitoring is being introduced because of cases of severe hypertension.

Oral bisphosphonates: reminder of precautions to take

All bisphosphonates are associated with a risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Therefore before prescribing oral bisphosphonates, we remind you to tell patients to maintain good oral hygiene, attend routine dental check-ups and immediately report any oral symptoms such as dental mobility, pain, or swelling to a doctor and dentist.

Paracetamol administration with Meningococcal B (Men B) vaccine

On September 1st the new national Meningococcal B (Men B) immunisation programme for infants began. As administration of Men B vaccine when given with other routine primary vaccines often produces a fever, Public Health England recommend that infants are given a 60mg prophylactic dose of paracetamol at the time or soon after vaccination plus two further doses at intervals of 4-6 hours. The advice from PHE is clear that parents / carers are responsible for obtaining and administering the paracetamol and it should not be prescribed.

Bulletin – Controlled Drugs: Learning from Incidents

Controlled Drugs: Learning from Incidents July 2015 NECS supports the NHS England Area Team Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer in ensuring […]