Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medicines

Guideline News February 2024 here

To access the full blog via Microsoft Sway, click here

Key Medicine Shortages February 2024 here

Includes:

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, Lamotrigine 5mg dispersible tablets, Tresiba® (insulin degludec) FlexTouch 100units/ml solution for injection 3ml pre-filled pens and Phenytoin sodium 100mg capsules (Accord)

This post summarises the latest NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde decisions relating to new medicines assessed by SMC and considered by the Area Drug and Therapeutics Committee (ADTC) and uses a nationally developed format specifically aimed for patients and the public.

For full details of the medicines included in this post that are available for use, including any restrictions on prescribing, please see the relevant entry in the GGC Formulary

Key messages

• Use of antifibrotic medicines (nintedanib (Ofev®), pirfenidone) is restricted to
  specialist initiation and use for the management of fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease
  (ILD) and has to be approved by the ILD Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
• Supply of these medicines and required monitoring is via the pharmacist led ILD
  medication service. Medication is supplied directly to patients via homecare
• Respiratory consultants can request initiation, titration and monitoring of
  immunosuppressant medications for ILD patients such as azathioprine, methotrexate,
  mycophenolate, prednisolone via this service. Clear communication will be made with
  primary care with regards to ongoing medication supply.
• The pharmacist ILD team can be contacted via email:
  ggc.interstiallungdisease@ggc.scot.nhs.uk, or by telephone on 07977 154764. This is staffed Monday to Friday and replies are normally within 24 hours.

Key Medicine Shortages January 2024 here

Includes:

Phosphate Sandoz® (sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous 1.936g) effervescent tablets and Sando K® (potassium bicarbonate 400mg, potassium chloride 600mg) effervescent tablets

This post summarises the latest NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde decisions relating to new medicines assessed by SMC and considered by the Area Drug and Therapeutics Committee (ADTC) and uses a nationally developed format specifically aimed for patients and the public.

For full details of the medicines included in this post that are available for use, including any restrictions on prescribing, please see the relevant entry in the GGC Formulary

Key messages

• Preferred list salbutamol inhaler is now an Easyhaler® salbutamol 100 micrograms/puff dry powder inhaler
• Reducing the number of salbutamol metered dose inhalers (MDIs) dispensed would greatly reduce the carbon impact of inhalers in NHSGGC
• The main aims to reduce the environmental impact of inhalers are:
  • To use lower carbon footprint inhalers if appropriate for the patient
  • To improve disease control
  • To promote safe disposal of inhalers through community pharmacies

Key Points:

• Women with an intact uterus prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT), require both oestrogen and progestogen. The progestogen provides endometrial protection against the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer.
• It is the responsibility of the prescriber to ensure robust systems are in place to prevent women with an intact uterus receiving unopposed oestrogen.