Memos and Alerts
A reminder about lithium
Lithium is prescribed and monitored in primary care under shared care arrangements. If you are concerned about a patient’s lithium level, renal function or thyroid function, contact the specialist mental health team for advice
Primary Care Responsibilities in Prescribing and Monitoring Hormone Therapy for Transgender and Non-Binary Adults
Transgender and non-binary people will spend a relatively short time under the care of a specialist Gender Identity Clinic. General Practitioners therefore have an important role in the ongoing care of patients when they no longer have a need for specialised gender identity services. The prescribing and monitoring of hormone therapy can be carried out safely in primary care without specialist input, though Gender Identity Clinics are encouraged to provide support to individual General Practitioners when this is requested.
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