Use of dexamethasone formulations in palliative care: a palliativedrugs.com response to recent changes
18th December 2014
Following the recent changes in the formulation of one of the dexamethasone injections in the UK (see our news item 21 October 2014), we have put together a palliativedrugs.com summary in order to clarify the situation on the use of dexamethasone formulations in adults in palliative care. This can be downloaded from the link below. The on-line PCF systemic corticosteroids monograph will be updated shortly to reflect this guidance.
In addition, there is now a manufacturer's supply problem with the Hospira brand of dexamethasone base 3.3mg/mL, 1mL ampoules, which is not expected to be resolved before January 2015.
Gabapentin and pregabalin potential for misuse
12th December 2014
Public Health England and NHS England have published advice for prescribers on the risk of misuse of gabapentin and pregabalin.
Haldol injection discontinued
12th December 2014
The Haldol brand of haloperidol injection 5mg/mL (Janssen-Cilag) has been discontinued. Generic haloperidol 5mg/mL injections are available.
Rivotril tablets discontinued
12th December 2014
The Rivotril brand of clonazepam 500microgram and 2mg tablets (Roche) has been discontinued. Generic clonazepam 500microgram and 2mg tablets are available.
Drugs and driving, MHRA clarification
11th December 2014
The new offence of driving with certain controlled drugs above specified limits in the blood which comes into force in March 2015 (see our news item 9 July 2014) is for England, Wales and Scotland only. In Northern Ireland, a similar offence is under consideration.
MHRA have produced a patient information leaflet to give to patients.
Macrodantin capsules discontinued
11th December 2014
The Macrodantin brand of nitrofurantoin 50mg and 100mg hard capsules (Amdipharm Mercury) has been discontinued. Generic nitrofurantoin 50mg and 100mg tablets are available.
FDA approves additional indication for denosumab
10th December 2014
The US FDA has approved denosumab (Xgeva; Amgen) for the treatment of hypercalcaemia of malignancy refractory to bisphosphonate therapy. In the UK, denosumab is currently only authorized for prevention of skeletal related events in adults with bone metastases from solid tumours; and treatment of adults and skeletally mature adolescents with giant cell tumour of bone that is unresectable or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity.
New Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines
4th December 2014
The new Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines have been launched. These national guidelines replace the previous pain & symptom control section of the Lothian Palliative Care Guidelines (2010).
Recivit (fentanyl) SL tablets batch recall
2nd December 2014
MHRA has issued a company-led recall for specific batches of all strengths of Recivit (fentanyl citrate; Grünenthal) sublingual tablets due to a possibility that the package blisters may have tablets missing or contain two tablets in a single blister cavity.
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!
News archive
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
- 2010
- 2009
- 2008
- 2008
- 2007
- 2006
- 2005
- 2004
- 2003
- 2002
- 2001
- 2000