Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medicines

Key Medicine Shortages for March 2022

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

A new Shared Care Agreement (SCA) for subcutaneous methotrexate has been approved for use in adult patients with psoriasis or eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Following a review by the Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances (ACBS) back in 2018, the probiotic food supplements VSL#3® and Vivomixx® were removed from Part XV of the Drug Tariff in England. The Committee concluded that the evidence did not sufficiently demonstrate that the products are clinically effective.

The NHSGGC Delirium Diagnosis, Risk Reduction and Management in Acute Services guideline recommends undertaking a medication review. This blog provides advice on how to undertake a medication review using the TIME structure.

Clinical Governance Related Publications Update for January 2022

Clinical trials of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have shown improvements in kidney outcomes in patients with and without diabetes

Key Medicine Shortages for February 2022

Prior to discharge, a prescriber must refer all patients on, or to be commenced on warfarin (or acenocoumarol) to the Glasgow and Clyde Anticoagulation Service (GCAS).  This should be regardless of whether: 

• Their anticoagulation is considered stable or not
• They had an appointment arranged prior to admission

MHRA Drug Safety Update for January 2022