Selected items from the News and Latest Additions sections of www.palliativedrugs.com, the world’s leading palliative care website.
Hot topics
NICE changes its name
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), 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 into the NHS Evidence services section which is now provided by NICE. For more information click here.
GMC publishes Good practice in prescribing and managing medicines and devices
The General Medical Council (GMC) has published 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.
Drug updates
Cyclizine 50mg/mL injection supply problem in UK
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. The supply of tablets is unaffected.
NICE evidence summary of oral desmopressin
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.
Aqueous cream may cause skin irritation
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. For more information click here.
Latest additions
PCF updated monographs
The online Palliative Care Formulary (PCF) is being continually updated. The following monographs have been updated during April 2013 and supersede those in the publication of the 4th edition of the Palliative Care formulary (PCF4). They can be accessed from the formulary section of the website:
Chapter 5: Morphine
Chapter 5: Oxycodone
Chapter 5: Naloxone
Chapter 6: Cellulitis in a lymphoedematous limb and Quick Prescribing Guide: Cellulitis in lymphoedema
Chapter 13: Ketamine
For a full list of all the monographs updated since the publication of PCF4, click here.
Prepared by Sarah Charlesworth and Andrew Wilcock