Paracetamol infusion risk management

30th October 2017

Risk management material for paracetamol 10mg/mL infusion has been produced by Actavis, highlighting the risks of dosing error and providing guidelines for correct administration.

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Gabapentin: risk of severe respiratory depression

25th October 2017

The MHRA has highlighted a rare risk of severe respiratory depression in patients taking gabapentin even without concomitant opioids. Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients at higher risk of respiratory depression, including the elderly, those with compromised respiratory function, respiratory or neurological disease, renal impairment, or taking other CNS depressants. This advice follows a European review and the SPC for gabapentin is being updated. 

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Solu-medrone 40mg: do not use in cows' milk allergy

25th October 2017

Solu-Medrone 40mg (methylprednisolone injection) uses lactose produced from cows’ milk as an excipient and may contain trace amounts of milk proteins. It should not be used in patients with a known or suspected allergy to cows’ milk, as serious allergic reactions have been reported.

Other strengths of Solu-Medrone do not contain lactose. Lactose-containing methylprednisolone medicines will be reformulated to remove any trace of milk proteins. Companies have been asked to take steps towards lactose-free formulations by 2019.

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Recombinant human erythropoietins: risk of severe cutaneous adverse reactions

24th October 2017

MHRA has informed healthcare professionals of the very rare risk of severe cutaneous reactions in patients treated with any recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO). The product information is being updated.

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Clozapine: potentially fatal risk of intestinal obstruction, faecal impaction, and paralytic ileus

24th October 2017

MHRA has reminded health professionals that clozapine has been associated with varying degrees of impairment of intestinal peristalsis ranging from constipation (very common), to intestinal obstruction, faecal impaction, and paralytic ileus (very rare). Patients should be advised to report constipation immediately and it should be actively treated. Particular care should be taken in patients receiving other drugs known to cause constipation (especially those with anticholinergic properties), patients with a history of colonic disease or lower abdominal surgery, and in patients ≥ 60 years. Clozapine is contra-indicated in patients with paralytic ileus.

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Assessing fitness to drive: a guide for medical professionals

18th October 2017

This government document, published in 2016, has recently been updated in the section entitled 'Excessive sleepiness including obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome'.

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Authorized quetiapine oral suspension now available

18th October 2017

Quetiapine oral suspension 100mg/5mL (Rosemont Pharmaceuticals) is now available as an authorized product.

Quetiapine (generic)
Tablets 25mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 300mg, 28 days @ 100mg b.d.= £1.50.
Oral suspension 12.5mg/5mL, 25mg/5mL, 50mg/5mL, 28 days @ 100mg b.d.= £204 (unauthorized, available as a special order); price based on community specials tariff.

Oral suspension 100mg/5mL, 28 days @ 100mg b.d.= £177.

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AWMSG: Noqdirna accepted for use

18th October 2017

The All Wales medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) has accepted Noqdirna (desmopressin oral lyophilisate), for restricted use in patients ≥65y only, for the symptomatic treatment of nocturia due to idiopathic nocturnal polyuria in adults.

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US approves pregabalin modified-release tablets

14th October 2017

Pregabalin modified-release tablets (Lyrica CR; Pfizer) have been approved in the US. They are authorized for once daily management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia. The modified-release tablets are available as 82.5mg, 165mg and 330mg and should be given once daily after the evening meal.

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Pre-publication offer extended: PCF6 for the same price as PCF5!

5th October 2017

We are pleased to announce the forthcoming publication of the 6th edition of the Palliative Care Formulary (PCF6) book. We anticipate that it will be available late October 2017. As a special pre-publication offer, PCF6 purchased during September and early October 2017 will cost only £50 (including P+ P in the UK). The usual price of PCF6 remains to be finalised, but it will cost a minimum of £55.

As well as being extensively updated, PCF6 has been re-organised into a more user-friendly format and contains new monographs.

To pre-order your copy of PCF6 book and take advantage of this special offer, click here.

Please note if you require bulk purchases please contact hq@palliativedrugs.com to discuss your requirements.

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