Q&A How can you minimise the risks of medication errors with buprenorphine patches?

Transdermal buprenorphine patches are widely prescribed and available from a variety of manufacturers. A number of patient safety incidents have […]

High Strength, Fixed Combination and Biosimilar Insulin Products: Minimising the Risk of Medication Error

A new document has been posted on the NECS MO website.
High Strength, Fixed Combination and Biosimilar Insulin Products: Minimising the Risk of Medication Error. This is a briefing document which summarises the current guidance and recommendations on ways to minimise the risk of medication errors with newer insulin preparations.

Fosfomycin 3g Sachets – Updated product information

Fosfomycin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, used for the treatment of lower UTIs due to ESBL (extended spectrum beta-lactamase) producing […]

Retigabine (Trobalt®) product withdrawal

Retigabine (Trobalt®) is to be withdrawn from the market in June 2017. This product is being discontinued because of limited and declining use. A letter for healthcare professionals outlines advice for healthcare providers to begin seeking alternative treatment for affected patients, and to withdraw treatment with a gradual dose reduction over at least 3 weeks. No new patients should start retigabine treatment.

MHRA safety alert -Citalopram: suspected drug interaction with cocaine; prescribers should consider enquiring about illicit drug use

When prescribing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), prescribers are reminded to enquire about cocaine use when considering drug–drug interactions and […]

Two new articles on the NECS MO website

Two new articles have been uploaded to the NECS MO website.
What to do when prescribers join or leave a GP practice – a reference guide covering which forms need completing if prescribers, both Medical and Non-Medical, move practices.
Useful prescribing information – a guide for prescribers. Covering some common prescribing dilemmas that affect clinicians in practice.

Etoricoxib (Arcoxia): revised dose recommendation for rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis

Prescribing information has been updated to introduce a lower recommended dose of 60 mg daily for patients with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.

Free TARGET webinars on antibiotic stewardship

Public Health England (PHE) and the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) have worked with primary care colleagues to develop […]

Updated BTS/SIGN British guideline on the management of asthma

An update to the British guideline on the management of asthma has been published.

The update includes complete revision of diagnosis of asthma and major update to pharmacological management as well as revisions to sections on supported self and non-pharmacological management, management of acute asthma, difficult asthma and organisation and delivery of care.