Selected items from the News and Latest Additions sections of www.palliativedrugs.com, the world’s leading palliative care website.

Hot topics

Ketamine rescheduling consultation
Ketamine was classified as a Class B drug, under the Misuse of Drugs Act, on 10 June 2014 in the UK (see our news item 6 June 2014). The promised consultation document, of the proposed change of ketamine to a Schedule 2 CD from a Schedule 4 (part 1) CD as recommended by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, is now available. The consultation is open until 3 November 2014 and responses can be made on-line, via e-mail or via post. For more information, click here.

CQC annual report: safer management of controlled drugs
The UK Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published their 2013 annual report on the safer management of controlled drugs. They have made the following recommendations to support the work of NHS England controlled drug accountable officers (CDAOs):

• CDAOs must be adequately resourced to carry out their roles and responsibilities with regard to controlled drugs
• CDAOs must be clear about their responsibilities for controlled drug governance arrangements and strengthen their relationships with clinical commissioning groups and commissioning support units so that these organisations are clear as to how they can support them
• CDAOs should consider organising learning events for CDAO colleagues and controlled drug leads, to enable them to share learning and best practice
• CDAOs should consider extending membership of the controlled drug local intelligence network to other relevant local organisations (such as social enterprise organisations or community interest companies) either on a permanent or as needed basis
• A formal process should be put in place by CDAOs to ensure controlled drug concerns and good practice are shared nationally where appropriate
• Healthcare providers must determine whether they are required to appoint a CDAO or whether they meet the criteria for an exemption
• CQC should summarise the key messages from the Controlled Drugs National Group meetings and circulate them to CDAOs to pass on to members of their controlled drug local intelligence networks.

For more information, click here.

Sativex® approved in Wales to treat MS symptoms
The cannabinoid formulation Sativex® (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol) can now be prescribed on the NHS in Wales to treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The decision, taken by the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group, has ministerial approval. It supersedes the recommendation made earlier this year, in draft guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), that the drug should not information, click here.

Cochrane reviews
The following Cochrane reviews have been published in full on-line:

• levetiracetam for neuropathic pain in adults (CD010943)
• topical lidocaine for neuropathic pain in adults (CD010958).

Drug updates

Dexamfetamine sulfate oral solution now authorized
Dexamfetamine sulfate 1mg/mL oral solution is now an authorized product in the UK (previously a special product). It is available from Martindale pharmaceuticals, NHS list price of 500mL is £109. For the SPC, click here.

Levobupivacaine 250mg/200mL epidural infusion bags
There is a manufacturer’s supply problem with levobupivacaine 250mg/200mL (Chirocaine® 1.25mg/mL; AbbVie) epidural infusion. It is unclear when normal supplies will resume but it is expected to be the end of September 2014. There is no authorized alternative available, however we are aware of an unauthorized levobupivacaine 250mg/ 200mL epidural infusion from a specials manufacturing unit (ITH Pharma; 020 8838 8260).

Latest additions

PCF4+ 2013 e-book now half-price!
The PCF4+ 2013 e-book version of the Palliative Care Formulary is now available for a special half price offer of £15 via our website store! Note remaining stock of PCF4 print edition is still also available for half price at £25 via our website store. This is in line with our press release of 9 January 2014. We anticipate that the PCF5 print and e-book editions will be available in autumn 2014. For more information, click here.

Prepared by Sarah Charlesworth and Andrew Wilcock