The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published new or updated guidance for the month of June 2025. This month there is one guideline, one technology appraisal and one health technology evaluation that impact upon primary care.
The Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management guideline has been updated. It covers the diagnosis and management of tension-type headache, migraine (including migraine with aura and menstrual-related migraine), cluster headache and medication overuse headache in young people (aged 12 years and older) and adults. The update changed the strength of recommendations on migraine prevention to a 'consider' recommendation for all three options, to better reflect the balance between the benefits and harms. A link to the Rimegepant for treating migraine technology appraisal has also been added.
The Linzagolix for treating symptoms of endometriosis technology appraisal has been published. This treatment is recommended as an option, in combination with hormonal add-back therapy, within its marketing authorisation to treat symptoms of endometriosis in adults of reproductive age who have had medical or surgical treatment for their endometriosis.
The Topical antimicrobial dressings for locally infected leg ulcers health technology evaluation has been published. This is a late stage assessment, an approach to evaluate technologies that are already in widespread use within the NHS. It is noted that there is not enough evidence to determine whether price variations are justified between different antimicrobial agents in topical antimicrobial dressings. It is recommended that NHS trusts provide access to a range of different types of antimicrobial dressings, so that an appropriate dressing can be selected that satisfies clinical and patient need. When an antimicrobial dressing is needed, the choice of dressing should consider the impact on quality of life including physical health, mental health and wellbeing, relationships with others and ability to complete activities of daily living. The choice of dressing should consider:
- the cost of the primary dressing
- the need for and cost of additional products
- the frequency of dressing changes needed
- if a person can change their own dressing or if a visit by a healthcare professional is needed.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of this month's new guidance and implement any necessary changes to practice.