Syringe Driver Survey Database migration to MedicinesComplete - January 2023

Syringe Driver Survey Database has moved to MedicinesComplete and is no longer available on palliativedrugs.com.

It has been renamed to PCF’s Syringe Driver Database and is now accessed through Drug Compatibility Checker.

Drug Compatibility Checker, through MedicinesComplete is a new tool providing essential compatibility knowledge to support the administration of injectable drugs combining published data and clinical practice reports.

Find out more about Drug Compatibility Checker:https://about.medicinescomplete.com/publication/drug-compatibility-checker/

If you have a subscription to Palliative Care Formulary through MedicinesComplete, you will have access to PCF’s Syringe Driver Database through Drug Compatibility Checker, at no charge through 2023. 

To contribute to PCF’s Syringe Driver Database please continue to submit a clinical practice report using palliativedrugs.com here: https://www.palliativedrugs.com/syringe-driver-database.html

To learn more about a subscription to the Palliative Care Formulary through MedicinesComplete, please contact us here: https://info.medicinescomplete.com/sales

If you have any questions regarding access to PCF’s Syringe Driver Database or would like to renew your subscription to Palliative Care Formulary, please contact pharmpress-support@rpharms.com.

---

Prescribing and mixing controlled drugs - changes

24th April 2012

The following awaited changes to the prescribing and use of controlled drugs came into force on the 23^rd April 2012:

• Pharmacist Independent Prescribers (PIPs) and Nurse Independent Prescribers (NIPs) are now able to prescribe, administer and give directions for all schedule 2, 3, 4 and 5 drugs within their competence. This extends to diamorphine, dipipanone or cocaine for treating organic disease or injury but not for treating addiction.
• All prescribers who are authorised to prescribe controlled drugs (e.g. doctors, dentists, supplementary prescribers, PIPs and NIPs) are able to write a direction to enable compounding (mixing) of schedule 2, 3, 4 or 5 controlled drugs.
• All registered pharmacists and nurses are able to supply diamorphine or morphine under a patient group direction (PGD) for the immediate, necessary treatment of sick or injured persons.

Guidance for pharmacists is available on the Royal Pharmaceutical Society website (member’s only area) and general guidance is available from the National Prescribing Centre. The explanatory memorandum for the legislative changes is available here.