The Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists’ Group (NPPG) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) have issued a joint statement on using standardised strengths of unlicensed liquid medicines in children. The two bodies strongly recommend that when children require unlicensed liquid medications, they should receive the RCPCH- and NPPG- recommended strength, where one exists. There are currently 17 Continue Reading »
NICE have updated and revised several Key Therapeutic Topic (KTT) documents and added two new topics to the KTT collection of evidence summaries to support medicines optimisation: KTT5 Asthma: medicines safety priorities UPDATE KTT6 Hypnotics UPDATE KTT7 Antipsychotics in people living with dementia UPDATE KTT9 Antimicrobial stewardship- prescribing antibiotics UPDATE KTT12 Type 2 diabetes mellitus: medicines optimisation priorities Continue Reading »
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, have a limited place in NICE & Public Health England guidance on managing common infections. Fluoroquinolones may be first line options for treatment of acute prostatitis, epidydimitis, gonorrhoea & acute pyelonephritis, and second choice options for LRTI, catheter associated LUTI and pelvic inflammatory disease – depending on bacterial susceptibilities and taking account of Continue Reading »
The MHRA have provided the following advice arising from reports of Fournier’s gangrene (necrotising fasciitis of the genitalia or perineum) – a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening infection – in association with use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors: if Fournier’s gangrene is suspected, stop the SGLT2 inhibitor and urgently start treatment (including antibiotics and surgical debridement Continue Reading »
The MHRA has strengthened advice for healthcare professionals on contraception requirements for women with childbearing potential prescribed carbimazole. The stronger guidance recommends following advice provided in the FSRH statement on contraception for women using known teratogenic drugs or drugs with potential teratogenic effects. The FSRH statement recommends that women at risk should always be advised to use highly Continue Reading »