Hartlepool & Stockton-on-Tees
Use of Abasaglar (Biosimilar Insulin Glargine)
The patent for Lantus® (Insulin glargine) has expired and a biosimilar preparation called Abasaglar®, which has a lower cost, has been launched. It has yet to be considered in the Local medicines decision making process, guidance for use with defined patient criteria is pending.
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 […]
Rifaximin for preventing episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy
Rifaximin is recommended, within its marketing authorisation, as an option for reducing the recurrence of episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy […]
Paediatric diabetes referral guidelines for general practice
Paediatric diabetes referral guidelines are now available on the NECS Medicines Optimisation website.
Lithium shared care guideline
The lithium shared care guideline from TEWV has been updated to recommend six monthly checks as per NICE guidance. The […]
Subcutaneous anticipatory injectable drugs at end of life
North Tees & Hartlepool Foundation Trust have produced a short reference guide to summarise (in a highly concise form) the symptom control guidance provided in the NECN Palliative and End of Life Care Guidelines 2012.