NICE Evidence Update: Opioids in palliative care
28th May 2014
The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has produced a summary of the selected new evidence relevant to the use of opioids in palliative care since the NICE clinical guideline: Opioids in palliative care (CG140) was published in 2012. The new evidence identified in this Evidence Update (58) is not expected to have any potential impact on the existing guidance.
Tramadol to become Schedule 3 Controlled Drug
21st May 2014
Tramadol, currently a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) will become a Schedule 3 Controlled Drug as from 10 June 2014 in England, Wales and Scotland. Controlled Drug prescription requirements will apply, but it will be exempt from safe custody requirements. This follows a consultation by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (see our news article 14 March 2014).
Zopiclone and zaleplon to become Schedule 4 (Part 1) Controlled Drugs
21st May 2014
Zopiclone and zaleplon currently both Prescription Only Medicines (POM) will become Schedule 4 (Part 1) Controlled Drugs as from 10 June 2014 in England, Wales and Scotland. This brings them under the same category as zolpidem and the benzodiazepines (except temazepam and midazolam).
Ranitidine injection supply problems
21st May 2014
There is a short-term manufacturer’s supply problem with ranitidine injection 50mg/2mL. We understand it is likely to last until the end of May 2014.
Ketamine injection supply problems
16th May 2014
Pfizer UK has confirmed that it is currently out of stock of ketamine (Ketalar) 10mg/mL and 100mg/mL injection and that the 50mg/mL injection is very low.
There have been supply problems with ketamine injection since November 2012 (see our news article 21-09-2012).
The ketamine 10mg/mL and 100mg/mL are not expected to be back in stock until March 2015. There are currently no further details on the 50mg/mL injection.
For enquiries please contact Pfizer customer services (01304 616161).
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