PCF3 Highly Commended in BMA book competition
28th August 2008
We are delighted to report that the PCF3 has been Highly Commended in the medicine category of the British Medical Associaton 2008 book competition and would like to thank all those involved who have contributed to this success.
Epoetin Zeta (Retacrit) launched in UK
28th August 2008
Epoetin zeta (Retacrit, Hospira UK, 01926 821 010) has been launched in the UK. Full information on indications and use can be found in the SPC -
NPSA warning on vinca alkaloid administration
28th August 2008
The UK National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has stated that vinca alkaloids, e.g. vincristine for adults and adolescents, should be prepared and administered in intravenous 50mL minibags not syringes, to reduce the risk of fatal wrong route error. All bags should contain the warning "For intravenous use only - fatal if administered by other routes" along with other recommendations to differentiate the minbags from other infusions.
Updated DH guidance on intrathecal chemotherapy administration
28th August 2008
The Department of Health (DH) has produced updated national guidance for England on the safe administration of intrathecal chemotherapy. This has been produced alongside the guidance from the NPSA on the safe administration of vinca alkaloids (see other news item 28-08) to prevent fatal intrathecal administration. The DH guidance sets out a competency based system where only staff who have been trained, checked and entered on a register of designated personnel will be able to administer intrathecal chemotherapy.
MHRA guidance on use of Epoetins in cancer
5th August 2008
The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has summarised the recent published data and reports relating to the use of recombinant human erythropoietins (r-HuEPOs) for treatment of anaemia in cancer:
- available evidence suggests use is associated with reduced overall survival and a negative effect on progression free survival
- data do not allow definitive conclusion that the risk outweighs the benefit in their authorised indication in patients with cancer
- data suggests that blood transfusion should be the preferred option for the management of anaemia in patients with cancer, particularly those receiving adjuvant chemotherapy or who are being treated with curative intent and may be preferable in patients with advanced metastatic cancer who have a good survival prognosis
- the decision to administer r-HuEPOs should be based on an informed risk-benefit assessment with patient participation taking into account tumour type and stage, degree of anaemia, life expectancy, environmental factors and patient preference.
MHRA review on safety of thalidomide and lenalidomide
5th August 2008
The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has produced a review of the safety implications surrounding the use of lenalidomide and thalidomide now that both are licensed for the treatment of multiple myeloma in the EU.
Thalidomide licensed and commercially available in UK
5th August 2008
Thalidomide was recently licensed in the EU for use in untreated multiple myeloma in those aged 65 years and over or ineligible for high dose chemotherapy in combination with Melphalan and Prednisone. Thalidomide is now commercially available as Thalidomide Pharmion (Celgene 08448 010045), and must be prescribed and dispensed in accordance with the Thalidomide Pharmion Pregnancy Prevention Programme. Only pharmacies that have registered will be able to obtain a supply of the product. Those pharmacies currently supplying patients with unlicensed Thalidomide Pharmion must now register with the Thalidomide Pharmion Pregnancy Prevention Programme to ensure continuity of supply of thalidomide for their patients.
DH End of Life Care strategy published
4th August 2008
The UK Department of Health (DH) has published the End of Life Care strategy which promotes high quality care for all adults at the end of life. Its aim is to provide people with more choice about where they would like to live and die and encompasses all adults with advanced, progressive illness and care given in all settings.
MHRA advice on antiepileptics and suicidal thoughts
4th August 2008
A Europe wide review has concluded that any antiepileptic drug may rarely be associated with a small increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. The review took into account antiepileptic drugs indicated for epilepsy, psychiatric disorders and other disorders including neuropathic pain. The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised that the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour may be seen as early as 1 week after starting treatment. Patients should be advised of the risk, to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms and should be referred for treatment if necessary. The available evidence does not define whether this risk differs between antiepileptics.
Recent news
- Calling all members - please complete our satisfaction survey!
- pH testing for nasogastric tube positioning is cost effective
- Hydromorphone injection now authorized in the UK
- Patient Safety Alert: Risk of death and severe harm from error with injectable phenytoin
- PCF5+ 2016 PDF now available
- Hydrocortisone 100mg/mL injection batch recall
- Medicines optimisation consultation
- Medical device alert: insulin delivery devices
- IV carbamazepine authorized in the US
- PCF5+ 2016 pdf available soon!
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