News
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.
Misuse of hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan)
NHS England and Public Health England have issued a letter in order to raise awareness of the misuse of hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan) which has been reported from HM prisons. Prescribers need to consider the appropriateness of new requests for hyoscine, particularly from patients recently discharged from prison.
Bulletin – Controlled Drugs: Learning from Incidents
Controlled Drugs: Learning from Incidents July 2015 NECS supports the NHS England Area Team Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer in ensuring […]
PrescQIPP
NECS Medicines Optimisation has successfully secured funding for a subscription to the PresQIPP programme for 2015/16. PresQIPP is an NHS programme that supports quality, optimised prescribing for patients, producing evidence-based resources and tools for primary care commissioners and a platform to share innovation across the NHS.
Minor ailment services Facebook storm
Pharmacy minor ailment services have hit the national and regional media headlines courtesy of a post on Facebook claiming that parents can get free Calpol via their local scheme. The RPS and BBC Health Online have published some information to correct the misinformation circulating.
Changes in controlled drug legislation for temazepam and electronic prescribing system (EPS)
From 1st June the current prescription writing exemption applicable to temazepam prescriptions will cease and therefore all temazepam prescriptions will be required to meet full prescription writing requirements as for any other Schedule 2 or 3 controlled drugs.
Prescribing newsletter April 2015
New MicroGuide antibiotic smartphone app, drugs and driving, oxycodone liquid prescribing on EMIS alert, repeat dispensing, Pharmacy Management National Forum
MHRA drug safety advice: drugs and driving
A new law to make it easier for police to catch and convict drug drivers took effect today in England and Wales. Motorists who get behind the wheel after taking illegal drugs face a criminal record, loss of their licence for at least a year and a fine of up to £5000. The legislation makes it illegal to drive with certain drugs in the body above specified levels, including 8 illegal drugs and 8 prescription drugs. People using prescription drugs within recommended amounts will not be penalised.