Buprenorphine therapeutic review

7th May 2013

A therapeutic review on buprenorphine has been published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (JPSM): 

Foster B. et al (2013) Therapeutic Reviews: Buprenorphine. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 45: 939-949. 

This is the 13th article in the series; all are based on monographs featured in the Palliative Care Formulary.

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Cyclizine 50mg/mL injection supply problem in UK

16th April 2013

There is a national shortage of cyclizine 50mg/mL injection (Valoid; Amdipharm) which is expected to last into May 2013. There is no other authorized (licensed) cyclizine injection in the UK and the company does not have any stock for emergency supply.

Note there is not a supply problem with the cyclizine tablets – only the injection is affected.

SIGN lung cancer guideline for consultation

16th April 2013

The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) has published a draft review of the management of lung cancer guidelines for consultation. Comments should be submitted by 13^th May 2013.

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NICE evidence summary of oral desmopressin

9th April 2013

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published its evidence summary (ESUOM10) for the  unauthorized / off-label use of oral desmopressin for nocturia and nocturnal polyuria in men with lower urinary tract symptoms.

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NICE changes its name

4th April 2013

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, has changed its name and is now known as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, still retaining the acronym NICE. This is to reflect recent changes to its role which include the integration of the National Prescribing Centre (NPC) and National Electronic Library for Medicines (NeLM) to form a joint new Medicines and Prescribing Centre.

Information previously on the NeLM has been incorporated in the NHS Evidence services section which is now provided by NICE.

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Asilone discontinued in UK

28th March 2013

Asilone^® oral suspension (Thornton & Ross) an antacid containing simeticone 135mg, aluminium hydroxide 420mg and magnesium oxide 70mg/5mL has been discontinued in the UK. Alternative simeticone-containing antacid preparations are:

Maalox Plus^® (Sanofi Aventis)
Oral suspension (sugar-free) simeticone 25mg, dried aluminium hydroxide 220mg, magnesium hydroxide 195mg/5mL, 28days @ 5mL q.d.s = £3; low Na⁺.

Altacite plus^®(Peckforton)

Oral suspension (sugar-free) co-simalcite 125/500 (simeticone 125mg, hydrotalcite 500mg)/5mL 28days @ 10mL q.d.s = £7.50; low Na⁺.

See PCF Simeticone monograph.

GMC publishes Good practice in prescribing and managing medicines and devices

28th March 2013

The General Medical Council has published it Good practice in prescribing and managing medicines and devices (2013), which came into effect on the 25 February 2013. It replaces Good practice in prescribing medicines (2008) and incorporates Remote prescribing via telephone, video-link or online (2012). It is available to view or download from the GMC website.

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Aqueous cream may cause skin irritation

27th March 2013

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned that aqueous cream may cause skin irritation particularly in children with atopic eczema. The reactions may be due to the presence of sodium lauryl sulfate or other ingredients. Treatment should be discontinued and an emollient that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate should be tried.

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Die Januar/Februar Ausgabe des APM Newsletter ist fertig

26th March 2013

The January/February issue of the APM Newsletter for German-speaking users of www.palliativedrugs.com is available.
Der neue APM-Newsletter Jahrgang ist in der Ausgabe Januar/Februar erschienen. Über die aktuelle Ausgaben des Newsletters wird Sie das Bulletin Board informieren.

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