Lenalidomide investigation of risk of second primary malignancies in myeloma

31st May 2011

Data from three large controlled clinical trials investigating use of lenalidomide in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma have recently shown a signal of an apparent excess of second primary malignancies. On the basis of this observation, a review of the balance of benefits and risks of lenalidomide in its authorised indication is being undertaken in the EU. The UK MHRA have stated that the use of lenalidomide in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma or other unlicensed indications is not recommended and that healthcare professionals should be vigilant for the occurrence of second primary malignancies, and should report such events promptly. For further information see the May 2011 edition of the MHRA Drug Safety Update.

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Oxycodone m/r 15mg, 30mg, 60mg and 120mg launched

26th May 2011

New strengths of oxycodone m/r (Oxycontin, Napp Pharmaceuticals 01223 424444) have been launched for the treatment of moderate to severe pain in patients with cancer or post operative pain and severe pain requiring the use of a strong opioid. The cost of a box of 56 tablets is £37.41, £74.81, £149.66, £299.31 for the 15mg, 30mg, 60mg and 120mg respectively. This is in line with the cost of the other preparations already available.

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BTS/SIGN asthma guideline 2011 revision

26th May 2011

The 2011 revision of the British Thoracic Society (BTS) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) management of asthma guideline is now available. There are updates to monitoring patients with asthma (section 2.6) and its pharmacological management (section 4), and a new section on asthma in adolescents (section 7).

The full guideline, a quick reference guide and further information can be downloaded from the BTS or SIGN website.

BTS website
SIGN website

Cochrane review: interventions for improving palliative care for older people living in nursing care homes

26th May 2011

A Cochrane review has been published where the primary objective was to determine effectiveness of multi-component palliative care service delivery interventions for residents of care homes for older people. The secondary objective was to describe the range and quality of outcome measures.

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Guidance for staff responsible for care after death

26th May 2011

The NHS National End of Life Care Programme has published guidance for staff responsible for care after death.

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Guidance for withdrawing treatment in children's palliative care

26th May 2011

The UK children’s palliative care charity, ACT, has launched two new resources:

• a care pathway to support extubation within a children’s palliative care framework
• a parent’s guide – making critical care choices for your child.

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NPC handbook for controlled drugs for accountable officers

26th May 2011

The National Prescribing Centre (NPC) has produced a handbook for controlled drugs for accountable officers in England, intended to supplement the guidance from the Department of Health.

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Guide to needs based palliative care commissioning for children, young people and their families

10th May 2011

This guide was commissioned by the South West Development Centre. It has been developed jointly with the Association for Children's Palliative Care (ACT), in consultation with a number of parents and professionals across the country. It is designed to assist commissioners in identifying the types of services they should consider when commissioning provision for children and young people with life-limiting and/or life-threatening conditions.

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WHO policy guidelines for controlled substances

10th May 2011

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Access to Controlled Medicines Team has now published "Ensuring Balance in National Policies on Controlled Substances: Guidance for availability and accessibility for controlled medicines."

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