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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.


Court ruling requires NHS England to issue guidance for the prescribing and dispensing of pregabalin for neuropathic pain

10th March 2015

Generic pregabalin capsules are now available in all usual strengths (25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 225mg, 300mg and 600mg) authorized for epilepsy or generalised anxiety disorder only. 

The patent for the use of pregabalin in central and peripheral neuropathic pain resides with the Lyrica brand of pregabalin capsules (Pfizer) and does not expire until 2017, making Lyrica the only product authorized for such use. 

Following a legal dispute, a court ruling has required NHS England to issue guidance for the prescribing and dispensing of pregabalin which states that when used for neuropathic pain, the brand name Lyrica should be written on the prescription (NHS England prescribing guidance). 

Note: gabapentin is an alternative first-line option for neuropathic pain (see our Gabapentin and pregabalin monograph). Generic gabapentin capsules, authorized for peripheral neuropathic pain, are as effective as, and significantly cheaper than, the Lyrica brand of pregabalin.