Pressurized metered-dose inhalers: risk of airway obstruction from aspiration of loose objects
20th July 2018
MHRA has received reports of accidental inhalation of the mouthpiece cover or objects that have become trapped in pressurized metered-dose inhalers following incorrect storage. Health professionals are advised to train patients to remove the mouthpiece cover fully, shake the inhaler to remove loose objects that may not be visible, check the inside and outside of the mouthpiece are clear before inhaling a dose and replace the cover firmly and immediately after use, to minimise this risk.
Cannabis scheduling review
11th July 2018
The chief medical officer for England has reviewed the evidence for cannabis-based medicinal products and has recommended that they should be moved out of a schedule 1 classification. This review forms part of a series of measures looking at the scheduling of cannabis.
Diamorphine 5mg and 10mg injection shortage update
11th July 2018
An update to the diamorphine injection shortage (see our previous news item in May 2018) is available from the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) website.
Recent news
- Palliative Care Formulary available via the Association for Palliative Medicine (APM)
- NICE draft guideline for cannabidiol for Dravet syndrome
- NICE draft guideline for cannabidiol for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- NICE draft guideline for Cannabis-based medicinal products
- EMA adopts a positive opinion for Epidyolex
- Updated BTS/SIGN asthma guideline published
- Joint position statement on the decision by WHO to withdraw guidance documents
- Neuropathic pain in adults: updated NICE guidance
- BETTER- B breathlessness survey- last chance to complete
- Safer management of controlled drugs
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