CQC annual report: safer management of controlled drugs
29th August 2014
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 (CCGs) and commissioning support units (CSUs) so that these organisations are clear as to how they can support them
- CDAOs should consider organising learning events for controlled drug accountable officer 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 required’ 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.
Sativex approved in Wales to treat MS symptoms on NHS
29th August 2014
The cannabinoid 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Medicines Strategy Group was given ministerial approval and supersedes the recommendation made earlier this year, in draft guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), that the drug should not be made available in England and Wales because it is not cost effective.
Ketamine rescheduling consultation
28th August 2014
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, seeking views on the impact 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.
Levobupivacaine 250mg/200mL epidural infusion bags supply problem
28th August 2014
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).
Dexamfetamine sulfate oral solution now authorized
14th August 2014
Dexamfetamine sulfate 1mg/mL oral solution is now an authorized product in the UK (previously a special order product). It is available from Martindale pharmaceuticals, NHS list price of 500mL is £109.
Cochrane review: Levetiracetam for neuropathic pain in adults
14th August 2014
A Cochrane review on Levetiracetam for neuropathic pain in adults (CD010943) has been published in full on-line.
Cochrane review: Topical lidocaine for neuropathic pain in adults
14th August 2014
A Cochrane review on topical lidocaine for neuropathic pain in adults (CD010958) has been published in full on-line.
PCF4+ 2013 PDF now half price!
11th August 2014
The PCF4+ 2013 PDF version of the Palliative Care Formulary is now available for a special half price offer of £15 via our website store!
Please note that it is anticipated that PCF5 print edition and PCF5 PDF, will be available in Autumn 2014. The online formulary will still be continually updated, providing the most up to date version of the Palliative Care Formulary. For further details of publication plans during 2014 see our news article (9 January 2014).
Class 2 Medicines Recall: Buccolam (midazolam) oromucosal solutions
10th August 2014
The UK MHRA has issued a class 2 medicines recall (action within 48h) for specific batches of Buccolam (midazolam) oromucosal solution 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg and 10mg (ViroPharma SPRL). This is following a routine inspection of the company’s contract manufacturing site in the UK. The inspection identified the possibility for chemical contamination. No evidence of contamination has been identified within Buccolam oromucosal solution on the market.
Replacement stocks of Buccolam are available.
Full information, including affected batch numbers, can be obtained from the link below.
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- PCF5+ 2016 pdf available soon!
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