Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medicines

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• All breastfeeding women and children under three years of age (receiving less than 500ml of infant formula) in NHSGGC are eligible for a free Vitamin D3 supplement.

• Breastfeeding women are provided with one bottle of Vitamin D3 tablets from their maternity unit. Subsequent supplies should be obtained from community pharmacies free of charge.

• Infants and children under 3 years of age (receiving less than 500ml of infant formula) are eligible for Vitamin D3 drops free of charge from community pharmacies.

• Healthy Start® tablets are supplied to pregnant women by maternity services (in addition to vitamin D, Healthy Start® tablets also contain folic acid and vitamin C).

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• NHS Inform guidance suggests that people of all age groups should consider taking a vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms (400 units) daily, particularly during the winter months (October to March).

• Breastfeeding women and children under 3 (receiving less than 500ml of infant formula daily) can obtain free supplies of vitamin D via their community pharmacy as detailed here. Pregnant women are supplied with Healthy Start® tablets (vitamin D, vitamin C and folic acid) by maternity services.

• Those who are not eligible for free supplies of vitamin D can purchase a vitamin D supplement at pharmacies, supermarkets and online.

• Some patient groups will be unable to purchase supplements themselves and GPs may be asked to prescribe, e.g. those who are institutionalised, frail or housebound or low income families. Refer to colecalciferol product of choice blog.

• If a combined calcium and vitamin D supplement is required, the preferred choices can be found in the GGC medicines formulary, and includes options for those who are unable to tolerate the first and second line preparations.

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• Vitamin D levels should NOT be measured routinely.
• Vitamin D loading doses may differ depending on indication.
• Check NHSGGC Formulary for vitamin D preparation of choice prior to prescribing.

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• A new regional West of Scotland Formulary is in development and will replace the NHSGGC formulary over time.
• The July 2026 edition of the regular Formulary Focus newsletter has been issued to keep staff in participating Health Boards up-to-date with progress.
• Six chapters are now available in the new formulary, with the Endocrine and Infections chapters being the latest to launch, on 30th July 2026.

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New published chapters: endocrine and infections

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• Emollients are typically under-prescribed and under-used. This results in suboptimal treatment of dermatological conditions, and may increase the occurrence of flares.
• Patients should be advised to use emollients liberally and frequently, even when their skin appears to return to normal. For guidance on appropriate quantities to supply on prescription see blog.

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• Generic dapagliflozin is the most cost-effective SGLT2 inhibitor for all licensed indications.
• Where clinically appropriate, clinicians may wish to consider generic dapagliflozin as the preferred cost-effective option when prescribing an SGLT2 inhibitor.
• Clinical choice remains guided by existing CKD, diabetes and heart failure guidelines.
• Patients on SGLT2 inhibitors will be switched to generic dapagliflozin, where clinically appropriate, ensuring patient safety and continuity of care are prioritised throughout the process.