News
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.
Clozapine – constipation as an under-recognised life-threatening effect of clozapine
Constipation is an under-recognised life-threatening adverse effect of clozapine.
Clozapine has been associated with varying degrees of impairment of intestinal peristalsis, ranging from constipation to intestinal obstruction, faecal impaction and paralytic ileus. On rare occasions theses cases have been fatal.
TARGET Antibiotics Toolkit newsletter
The TARGET newsletter from PHE contains information on the TARGET toolkit, audits, patient information leaflets and national antibiotic prescribing guidance.
Follow us on Twitter @NECSMedicines
Follow @NECSMedicines for updates including prescribing news, changes to guidelines and upcoming medicines optimisation events.
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.