Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medicines

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.

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To access the full blog via Microsoft Sway, click here

• Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide which is involved in the pathogenesis of migraine. 
• Two new oral CGRP small molecule antagonists – rimegepant and atogepant - have recently been added to the GGC Adult Medicines Formulary and can be initiated by non-specialists in primary care.
• Patients must have had prior failure of three or more migraine preventative treatments before rimegepant or atogepant can be considered.
• This blog summarises the key information on these two medicines and some common clinical questions which may occur. For full details on when to prescribe, refer to NHSGGC Guidance on Pharmacological Prophylaxis of Migraine in Adults

To access the full blog via Microsoft Sway, click here

If individuals opt for private healthcare treatment or assessment, they are still entitled to NHS services. The NHSGGC Central Prescribing Team are often asked by GPs what they should do if a patient requests a medicine following consultation with a private healthcare provider. This blog provides some advice.

To access the full blog via Microsoft Sway, click here

To access the full blog via Microsoft Sway, click here

To access the full blog via Microsoft Sway, click here

Key messages

• Do not routinely stop cognitive enhancers as may cause a decline in symptom control.
• Pain can present as a change in behaviour or distress in patients with dementia.
• NSAIDs should ideally be avoided in older people due to increased risk of adverse effects.
• Anti-emetics can have a high anticholinergic burden - review indication and consider stopping if appropriate.

To access the full blog via Microsoft Sway, click here