Memos and Alerts
New NICE guidance on controlled drugs
This guideline covers systems and processes for using and managing controlled drugs safely in all NHS settings except care homes. It aims to improve working practices to comply with legislation and have robust governance arrangements. It also aims to reduce the safety risks associated with controlled drugs.
Medication out of stock list
A list of out of stock medication, compiled by Manchester LPC, based on contractor and medicines management feedback contains information on items currently unavailable or hard to obtain.
NHS England launches national programme to combat antibiotic overusage
NHS England has launched the world’s largest healthcare incentive scheme for hospitals, family doctors and other health service providers to […]
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems: prescribe by brand name
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems should always be prescribed by brand name because products have different indications, durations of use, and introducers.
Nicorandil: reminder of advice for healthcare professionals
Updated advice on use of nicorandil as second-line treatment for stable angina – some ulcers may progress to complications unless treatment is stopped.
Antipsychotic use in patients with a learning disability but no mental health diagnosis
Transforming Care was set up by the Government to look at ways of improving the lives of people with learning disabilities.
As part of this work, a review is to be carried out on how medicines meant for people with mental health conditions are being given to people with learning disabilities to help with how they feel, act or behave.
Controlled Drugs: Learning from Incidents February 2016
This bulletin focuses on medicines for palliative care and what to do with unused medicines when a patient dies
MicroGuide antibiotics guideline app update
A new version of the MicroGuide antibiotics guideline app has been released which includes a new search function and the ability to add notes, bookmarks and share guidance via email or social media. If you already have the app, the update will download automatically. If you don’t have the app, download it from the App Store or Google Play by searching for MicroGuide.
New toolkit supports better understanding of the risks of valproate and pregnancy
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) today welcomed the launch of a new toolkit to ensure female patients are better informed about the risks of taking valproate medicines during pregnancy. Valproate (Epilim, Depakote and other generic brands) is a treatment for epilepsy and bipolar disorder and is prescribed to thousands of women. It is associated with a risk of birth defects and developmental disorders in children born to women who take valproate during pregnancy.