Memos and Alerts
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.
Generic medicine reimbursement: adjustment to prices from January 2016
Early calculations done by the NECS Medicines Optimisation team suggests an average reduction of approximately 17 pence per prescription item, or 2.1% of spend per month on the prescribing budget.
Cyclizine Lactate 50 mg/ml Injection Shortage – Information for Prescribers
There is a delay to the delivery of cyclizine injection and stock is now expected in Jan 2016. The company anticipates being out of stock for between 2 to 4 weeks.
New NICE Guidance on Type 2 Diabetes
A new NICE guideline ‘Type 2 diabetes in adults: management’ is now available. It covers the care and management of type 2 diabetes in adults (aged 18 and over) focusing on patient education, dietary advice, managing cardiovascular risk, managing blood glucose levels, and identifying and managing long-term complications.
Pioglitazone – shortage of supply
There are currently supply issues with pioglitazone tablets (all strengths). UKMi have produced detailed guidance for prescribers which outlines management options and alternative agents to pioglitazone.
Medicines shortage impact survey
Following discussions with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pharmacy, NECS have compiled a survey to learn if, and how, medicine shortages are impacting your practice and the wellbeing of patients, and how often different healthcare professions are having to deal with the issue. Click here for more information.
Changes in Controlled Drug Requisition Forms and new wording for instalment prescriptions
From 30th November all healthcare professionals obtaining supplies of schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs in the community MUST use a mandatory requisition form.
Presentations from the NECS Antimicrobial Stewardship Event November 2015
The NECS Medicines Optimisation Team hosted an antimicrobial stewardship event on 19th November 2015, during World Antibiotic Awareness Week and supporting Public Health England’s Antibiotic Guardian campaign. Click here to see presentations from the event.