Use of dexamethasone formulations in palliative care: a palliativedrugs.com response to recent changes

18th December 2014

Following the recent changes in the formulation of one of the dexamethasone injections in the UK (see our news item 21 October 2014), we have put together a palliativedrugs.com summary in order to clarify the situation on the use of dexamethasone formulations in adults in palliative care. This can be downloaded from the link below. The on-line PCF systemic corticosteroids monograph will be updated shortly to reflect this guidance.

In addition, there is now a manufacturer's supply problem with the Hospira brand of dexamethasone base 3.3mg/mL, 1mL ampoules, which is not expected to be resolved before January 2015.

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Gabapentin and pregabalin potential for misuse

12th December 2014

Public Health England and NHS England have published advice for prescribers on the risk of misuse of gabapentin and pregabalin.

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Haldol injection discontinued

12th December 2014

The Haldol brand of haloperidol injection 5mg/mL (Janssen-Cilag) has been discontinued. Generic haloperidol 5mg/mL injections are available.

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Rivotril tablets discontinued

12th December 2014

The Rivotril brand of clonazepam 500microgram and 2mg tablets (Roche) has been discontinued. Generic clonazepam 500microgram and 2mg tablets are available.

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Drugs and driving, MHRA clarification

11th December 2014

The new offence of driving with certain controlled drugs above specified limits in the blood which comes into force in March 2015 (see our news item 9 July 2014) is for England, Wales and Scotland only. In Northern Ireland, a similar offence is under consideration.

MHRA have produced a patient information leaflet to give to patients.

Patient information leaflet

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Macrodantin capsules discontinued

11th December 2014

The Macrodantin brand of nitrofurantoin 50mg and 100mg hard capsules (Amdipharm Mercury) has been discontinued. Generic nitrofurantoin 50mg and 100mg tablets are available.

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FDA approves additional indication for denosumab

10th December 2014

The US FDA has approved denosumab (Xgeva; Amgen) for the treatment of hypercalcaemia of malignancy refractory to bisphosphonate therapy. In the UK, denosumab is currently only authorized for prevention of skeletal related events in adults with bone metastases from solid tumours; and treatment of adults and skeletally mature adolescents with giant cell tumour of bone that is unresectable or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity.

US Xgeva prescribing information 

UK Xgeva SPC 

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New Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines

4th December 2014

The new Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines have been launched. These national guidelines replace the previous pain & symptom control section of the Lothian Palliative Care Guidelines (2010).

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Recivit (fentanyl) SL tablets batch recall

2nd December 2014

MHRA has issued a company-led recall for specific batches of all strengths of Recivit (fentanyl citrate; Grünenthal) sublingual tablets due to a possibility that the package blisters may have tablets missing or contain two tablets in a single blister cavity.

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