Prescribing Advice for GPs An NHS Prescribing Advisers' Blog 2021-04-12T18:06:18Z https://www.prescriber.org.uk/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/fbrfg/favicon.ico Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[SMC Update - April 2021]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1653 2021-04-12T18:06:18Z 2021-04-13T07:06:45Z The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has issued its monthly advice on newly licensed medicines. Dapagliflozin (Forxiga®) has been accepted for use in adults for the treatment of symptomatic chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Action: Clinicians should be aware of the recommendations of the SMC. Routine use of rejected and restricted medicines should be […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[CKS Updates - March 2021]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1652 2021-04-02T08:22:47Z 2021-04-06T07:22:28Z During March 2021 Clinical Knowledge Summaries were published or updated in the following areas. Bruising Chlamydia - uncomplicated genital Contraception - progestogen-only methods Earwax Gilbert's syndrome Immunizations - childhood Itch - widespread Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome Platelets - abnormal counts and cancer The Platelets - abnormal counts and cancer topic is new. The other topics […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[NICE Guidance - March 2021]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1651 2021-03-31T08:18:04Z 2021-03-31T08:18:04Z The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published new or updated guidance for the month of March 2021. This month are four guidelines that impact upon primary care. The Secondary bacterial infection of eczema and other common skin conditions: antimicrobial prescribing guideline has been published. It sets out an antimicrobial prescribing strategy […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[Drug Safety Update - March 2021]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1650 2021-03-24T16:36:20Z 2021-03-25T08:36:57Z The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published Drug Safety Update for March 2021 (PDF). This month readers are advised of an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer and progressive multifocal encephalopathy (PML) in patients taking bendamustine (Levact®). Bendamustine is an anti-cancer medicine so it is expected that this advice applies to specialists […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[No Smoking Day - 2021]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1649 2021-03-08T16:34:12Z 2021-03-09T08:54:15Z Tomorrow is No Smoking Day. The theme and support materials for this year have been developed in collaboration between ASH and Breathe 2025. The theme this year is that "Quitting smoking doesn’t have to be stressful" with the evidence supporting improved health and well-being after stopping smoking. Key messages for this year are: Quitting smoking […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[SMC Update - March 2021]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1648 2021-03-08T14:58:00Z 2021-03-08T14:58:00Z The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has issued its monthly advice on newly licensed medicines. Beclometasone / formoterol / glycopyrronium (Trimbow®) has been accepted for use as a maintenance treatment of asthma, in adults not adequately controlled with a maintenance combination of a long-acting beta2-agonist and medium dose of inhaled corticosteroid, and who experienced one or […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[Aminophylline and Morphine Granules to be discontinued]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1647 2021-03-03T18:05:20Z 2021-03-04T07:57:34Z The MHRA Central Alerting System has issued two alerts warning that aminophylline tablets and morphine sulphate prolonged release granules for oral suspension are both being discontinued. Aminophylline (Phyllocontin®) modified release tablets are being discontinued in both the 225mg and 350mg strengths. Remaining supplies in the distribution chain are expected to be exhausted by early April […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[CKS Updates - February 2021]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1646 2021-03-01T13:07:34Z 2021-03-01T13:06:37Z During February 2021 Clinical Knowledge Summaries were published or updated in the following areas. Addison's disease Contraception - IUS/IUD Contraception - emergency Immunizations - travel Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes Multiple myeloma All of the topics have been reviewed and updated in keeping with current guidance with minor layout changes. The two Contraception topics […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[NICE Guidance - February 2021]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1645 2021-02-24T09:19:35Z 2021-02-24T09:19:35Z The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published new or updated guidance for the month of February 2021. This month is one technology appraisal that impacts upon primary care. The Dapagliflozin for treating chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction technology appraisal has been published. This treatment is recommended as an option […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[Drug Safety Update - February 2021]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1644 2021-02-18T15:49:29Z 2021-02-19T08:42:23Z The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published Drug Safety Update for February 2021 (PDF). This month readers are advised of further restrictions on the use of ulipristal acetate (Esmya®) for uterine fibroids due to the risk of serious liver injury. The temporary suspension has been lifted but it is recommended that this […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[SMC Update - February 2021]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1643 2021-02-11T14:01:45Z 2021-02-09T08:39:59Z The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has issued its monthly advice on newly licensed medicines. Formoterol / glycopyrronium / budesonide aerosol inhaler (Trixeo Aerosphere®) has been accepted for restricted use as a maintenance treatment in adult patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are not adequately treated by a combination of an […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[CKS Updates - January 2021]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1642 2021-02-08T16:29:09Z 2021-02-02T10:15:43Z During January 2021 Clinical Knowledge Summaries were published or updated in the following areas. Anticoagulation - oral Diabetes - type 2 Jaundice in adults Jaundice in the newborn Mastitis and breast abscess Mental health in students Squint in children Tennis elbow The Mental health in students topic is new. All of the other topics have […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[NICE Guidance - January 2021]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1641 2021-01-27T18:10:39Z 2021-01-28T09:03:24Z The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published new or updated guidance for the month of January 2021. This month is one evidence summary that impacts upon primary care. The Antimicrobial prescribing: delafloxacin for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections evidence summary has been published. The likely place in therapy for […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[SMC Update - January 2021]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1640 2021-02-08T16:29:00Z 2021-01-20T08:26:00Z The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has issued its monthly advice on newly licensed medicines. Melatonin prolonged-release (Slenyto®) has been rejected following a resubmission for use in the treatment of insomnia in children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years with autism spectrum disorder and / or Smith-Magenis syndrome, where sleep hygiene measures have been insufficient. […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[Drug Safety Update - January 2021]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1639 2021-01-07T16:43:20Z 2021-01-08T08:42:50Z The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published Drug Safety Update for January 2021 (PDF). This month readers are advised of a review of the risks of major congenital malformations and of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes for antiepileptic drugs conducted by the Commission on Human Medicines. It has confirmed that lamotrigine and levetiracetam are […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[NICE Guidance - December 2020]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1638 2020-12-23T14:07:12Z 2020-12-30T09:07:00Z The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published new or updated guidance for the month of December 2020. This month there are eight clinical guidelines, two COVID-19 Rapid Guidelines and one technology appraisal that impact upon primary care. The seven clinical guidelines of relevance to primary care this month have all been […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[Drug Safety Update - December 2020]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/2020/12/drug-safety-update-december-2020/ 2020-12-18T13:10:41Z 2020-12-21T08:23:45Z The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published Drug Safety Update for December 2020 (PDF). This month readers are advised that systemic and inhaled fluoroquinolones are associated with a small increased risk of heart valve regurgitation. Fluoroquinolones are only recommended for use in serious, life-threatening bacterial infections. It is recommended that other options […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[SMC Update - December 2020]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1636 2020-12-08T09:07:08Z 2020-12-08T09:07:08Z The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has issued its monthly advice on newly licensed medicines. Mexiletine (Namuscla®) has been accepted for restricted use in the symptomatic treatment of myotonia in adult patients with non-dystrophic myotonic disorders. It is noted that this advice applies only in the context of an approved NHSScotland Patient Access Scheme (PAS) arrangement […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[CKS Updates - November 2020]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1635 2020-12-02T08:34:30Z 2020-12-02T08:34:30Z During November 2020 Clinical Knowledge Summaries were updated in the following areas. Dupuytren's disease Giant cell arteritis Hyponatraemia Macular degeneration - age-related Menopause Osgood-Schlatter disease Support for adult carers All of the topics have been reviewed and updated in keeping with current NICE guidance with minor layout changes. The Menopause topic now includes a lower […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[NICE Guidance - November 2020]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1634 2020-11-26T10:46:58Z 2020-11-26T10:46:58Z The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published new or updated guidance for the month of November 2020. This month is one guideline and one medtech innovation briefing that impact upon primary care. The Human and animal bites: antimicrobial prescribing guideline has been published. It sets out an antimicrobial prescribing strategy for […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[Drug Safety Update - November 2020]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1633 2020-11-17T13:25:27Z 2020-11-18T08:20:21Z The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published Drug Safety Update for November 2020 (PDF). This month readers are advised that modafinil potentially increases the risk of congenital malformations when used in pregnancy. Modafinil should not be used during pregnancy and women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[SMC Update - November 2020]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1632 2020-11-10T22:08:10Z 2020-11-11T08:17:13Z The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has issued its monthly advice on newly licensed medicines. Patiromer (Veltassa®) has been rejected for use in the treatment of hyperkalaemia in adults. The submitting company did not present a sufficiently robust economic analysis to gain acceptance by SMC. It should be noted the NICE Guidance exists for England and […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[CKS Updates - October 2020]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1631 2020-12-02T08:22:27Z 2020-11-04T08:45:52Z During October 2020 Clinical Knowledge Summaries were updated in the following areas. Acute childhood limp Bronchiectasis Gastroenteritis Hand foot and mouth disease Multiple sclerosis Neck lump All of the topics have been reviewed and updated in keeping with current NICE guidance with minor layout changes. The Gastroenteritis topic has undergone major restructuring, with several nodes […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[NICE Guidance - October 2020]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/?p=1630 2020-10-28T12:57:40Z 2020-10-28T12:57:40Z The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published new or updated guidance for the month of October 2020. This month there are three guidelines, one technology appraisal and one antimicrobial guideline that impact upon primary care. The COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing symptoms (including at the end of life) in the community guideline […]

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]]> 0 Matthew Robinson http://www.prescriber.org.uk <![CDATA[Drug Safety Update - October 2020]]> https://www.prescriber.org.uk/2020/10/drug-safety-update-october-2020/ 2020-10-23T12:09:59Z 2020-10-23T11:51:32Z The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published Drug Safety Update for October 2020 (PDF). This month readers are advised of new guidance that has been published on monitoring of patients on warfarin and other anticoagulants during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular it is noted that acute illness may exaggerate the effect of […]

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