NICE asthma guidance

There are important differences between new NICE recommendations on asthma treatment and current “standard practice” in the UK. For example, […]

Generic prescribing of anti-seizure drugs

The MHRA has updated guidance on switching between different brands of anti-seizure drugs The revised guidance now clearly states that the […]

NICE Reminder that antibiotics should not be used to treat the majority of sinus infections

NICE Guideline 79 strongly reminds us that antibiotics are very rarely needed for acute sinusitis – with a clear statement that […]

Lactose-Free Medicines

Have you seen an increase in requests for lactose and/or gluten-free medicines? Are you concerned that people may be being […]

Morphine Injections Supply Problems

Currently, there are national supply issues with Morphine Injections, predominately 10mg/ml amps but other strengths may be in short supply.

Practices should continue prescribing morphine injection first line in palliative care but contact community pharmacies at the point of writing the prescription to ascertain stock levels so the prescription can be written for the available strength of amp and correct dose. Do not use morphine if the 10mg, 15mg, 20mg and 30mg ampoules are not available.

Prescribe short duration prescriptions of morphine (no more than 5/7 days) in order to ensure we can maintain supplies to all patients in need.

Please ensure that all prescriptions and administration dosages are double checked by GP practices, Community Pharmacists and Community Nursing to reduce the risk of prescribing and administrative errors and that this is clearly communicated to patients and carers.

Miconazole (Daktarin) oral gel _ interaction with warfarin

The latest Drug Safety Update (Sept 2017) highlights that: despite repeated warnings, the MHRA continue to receive reports of harm or […]

Health Matters: preventing ill health from alcohol and tobacco use – PHE Call to ACTION

Public Health England has issued a CALL TO ACTION to all healthcare professionals to help prevent ill health linked to […]

New product evaluations – resource for medicines management

Available from the Specialist Pharmacy ServiceA list of new product evaluations that are freely available to NHS staff via the […]

Better recognition, diagnosis and management of non-IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy in infancy

Better recognition, diagnosis and management of non-IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy in infancy: iMAP—an international interpretation of the MAP (Milk Allergy […]