News
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.
PPIs and the risk of Clostridium difficile infection
Gastric acid suppression has been a suggested risk factor for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Research shows that: PPIs are associated with a near doubling of the likelihood of CDI, co-administration of PPI and antibiotics increases the risk of CDI beyond that conferred by either treatment alone, and CDI risk is increased even after short duration PPI use.
TARGET Toolkit and Antimicrobial Stewardship 9th March 2016
A free event from TARGET/ RCGP to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance. Newcastle Marriott Gosforth Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne 12.00 – 16.00.
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.