Haloperidol, cyclizine and levomepromazine UK supply updates

26th January 2016

Haloperidol 5mg/mL injection

We reported in October 2015 (News item 6 October 2015) that there were supply difficulties with haloperidol injection 5mg/mL. We understand that this is now out of stock. Amdipharm Mercury have reported that there is an issue with the raw ingredient, and they do not expect this to be resolved until the end of 2016. There is no other UK authorized product available. We understand that alternative haloperidol injection formulations from other Countries, unauthorized in the UK, are available for importation via special order.

Cyclizine 50mg/mL injection

We reported in December 2015 (News item 9 December 2015) that there were supply difficulties with cyclizine injection 50mg/mL). We understand that although there is no known manufacturing issue, the supply and demand situation is currently unstable.

Levomepromazine 25mg/mL injection

They are some local reports of supply difficulties, however, Sanofi have confirmed that their product (Nozinan) is in stock and available to order and they are unaware of any wholesaler restrictions. 

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NICE palliative care guidelines

13th January 2016

NICE are starting the process of updating the 2004 clinical guidance ‘ Improving supportive and palliative care for adults with cancer’. The draft scope for the updated guidance has been published for consultation. NICE are also recruiting health professionals, and lay members, to join the supportive and palliative care guidelines committee. The deadline for both consultation responses and applications to join the committee is 29 January 2016.

Scope consultation

Committee application details 

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CME T34 Field Safety Notices

12th January 2016

CME T34 and leaking extension lines

CME has issued a Field Safety Notice recalling CME syringe extension sets (product codes 100-172S and 100-172SLL) that are used with CME T34/T60 syringe pumps, due to reports of leaking. Alternative interim sets (product code PN30-7100) are being supplied, however there are some differences in composition, priming volume and connection to the male luer lock, which are outlined in the Customer Information bulletin (see below). In addition, the substitute set can only be used with the T34 in the lockbox with syringe sizes up to 20mL, as the female luer/ASV attached to a 30mL syringe tip prevents the lockbox lid closing.

Note: We are happy to share via the Document library, any risk assessments that have been completed regarding using the substitute sets, particularly regarding the issue of 30mL syringes not fitting in the lockbox. Please donate these to hq@palliativedrugs.com in word or pdf format.

Field Safety Notice

Customer information bulletin 

CME T34 and use in direct sunlight

CME has also issued a Field Safety Notice recommending that users protect the CME T34 from sunlight by covering with a bag/dedicated syringe pump pouch. This is a precaution following problems reported for T60 syringe pumps, where infusions have stopped and alarms activated while being used in direct sunlight. The issue is related to a change in the pump housing material which was used in manufacture from June 2013 onwards and is also used in T34 syringe pumps.

Field Safety Notice

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Die 2. Auflage von Arzneimittel in der Palliativmedizin ist erschienen!

5th January 2016

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