- Prescribing Advice for GPs - https://www.prescriber.org.uk -

MeReC Extra covers PROactive and CD changes

The National Prescribing Centre has published MeReC Extra 20. This MeReC covers the findings of the PROactive Study and details changes to the handwriting requirements for controlled drug prescriptions.

PROactive has already been covered here. The NPC conclude "it remains uncertain whether pioglitazone reduces the risk of death, MI and stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes who are already at high risk of these events". They suggest that clinicians should focus upon the interventions that are known to be more important, namely reducing cardiovascular risks.

The publication also details changes in the handwriting requirements for controlled drug prescriptions. From November 2005 the handwriting requirement only applies to the signature of the prescriber, the rest of the prescription can be computer generated.

Action: All clinicians who are involved in the treatment of diabetes or who issue prescriptions for controlled drugs will benefit from reading this MeReC Extra.