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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.


New drug driving legislation now in force

2nd March 2015

The new offence of driving or attempting to drive with certain controlled drugs above specified limits in the blood came into force today, in England and Wales. The legislation covers eight illegal drugs and eight prescription drugs, including:

  • benzodiazepines; clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam
  • opioids; diamorphine, methadone, morphine
  • psychostimulants; amphetamine
  • others; cannabis-based medicines (e.g. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol), ketamine.

The main focus of the new law is the illicit use of these drugs. Accordingly, provided driving is not impaired and the drugs are being taken as directed either by a health professional or the Patient Information leaflet (PIL), drivers lawfully using these drugs are exempt from prosecution (the ‘medical defence’). Thus, it is important to inform patients of this if prescribed these drugs and they intend to drive. The MHRA and Department for Transport have produced information for patients (see below). PCF Chapter 19 on drugs and fitness to drive will be updated shortly.

MHRA: Information for patients

Department for Transport: Guidance for health professionals

Department for Transport: Information for patients

Department for Transport: Drugs and driving