Memos and Alerts
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Name change of Camcolit 250mg tablets
The proprietary (brand) name of “Camcolit 250mg tablets” has changed to “Lithium Carbonate Essential Pharma 250 mg film-coated tablets”, effective from 1st October 2015.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Event 19th November 2015
The NECS Medicines Optimisation Team will be hosting a day of exciting and informative discussion and debate on antimicrobial stewardship in primary care, led by national and local experts and key opinion leaders in Newcastle on 19th November 9.30 – 4.00. To book your place email necsu.medicinescdd@nhs.net.
Controlled Drugs: Learning from Incidents October 2015
NECS supports the NHS England Area Team Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer in ensuring the safe management and use of controlled drugs within the North East & Cumbria region. Based on the commonly reported incidents and the lessons learned, we aim to share good practice across the region.
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.
Important Update to the County Durham and Darlington DVT Pathway
We have become aware that some practices were either not using the County Durham and Darlington DVT Pathway, or were using an incorrect version and this had led to a serious untoward incident. As a result we have taken the opportunity to review the Pathway and to re-launch it so everyone is now using the correct version.
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.
Biosimilars – NICE resource to support the implementation of biosimilar versions of infliximab
NICE has published a new adoption resource to support the introduction of biosimilar versions of infliximab: Inflectra and Remsima. This resource has been developed for both clinicians and non-clinical staff to help manage the introduction of these biosimilar medicines into care pathways safely and effectively.