News
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.
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.