Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medicines

Latest Medicines Updates & News -2024

Opioid Induced Adrenal Insufficiency (OIAI)

Posted: Thursday, March 21, 2024

Category - Medicines Update

Key messages

  • Adrenal insufficiency (as highlighted in the NHSGGC Non-Malignant Pain Opioid guideline) is a possible side effect of long-term opioid prescribing.
  • Despite the fact that opioids are clearly linked to various endocrinopathies, OIAI has not been well-researched and is thought to be largely under-recognised in practice.
  • Routine testing is not recommended if the patient is well. However, if the patient has symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (e.g. fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, fainting, increased thirst, low mood) then an early morning cortisol test is recommended, with referral to endocrinology if cortisol is low
  • OIAI has been reported with wide ranges in median duration of use, median morphine equivalent daily dose and estimated prevalence.
  • As there is no specific dose or duration of treatment associated with the development of OIAI the risk is expected to be higher with the cumulative exposure to the opioid.
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Key Medicine Shortages – February 2024

Posted: Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Category - Medicines Update

Key Medicine Shortages February 2024 here

Includes:

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, Lamotrigine 5mg dispersible tablets, Tresiba® (insulin degludec) FlexTouch 100units/ml solution for injection 3ml pre-filled pens and Phenytoin sodium 100mg capsules (Accord)

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Formulary Update (February 2024)

Posted: Sunday, February 25, 2024

Category - Formulary Update

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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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Interstitial Lung Disease Medication Service

Posted: Monday, January 29, 2024

Category - Medicines Update

Key messages

  • Use of antifibrotic medicines (nintedanib (Ofev®), pirfenidone) is restricted to
    specialist initiation and use for the management of fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease
    (ILD) and has to be approved by the ILD Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
  • Supply of these medicines and required monitoring is via the pharmacist led ILD
    medication service. Medication is supplied directly to patients via homecare
  • Respiratory consultants can request initiation, titration and monitoring of
    immunosuppressant medications for ILD patients such as azathioprine, methotrexate,
    mycophenolate, prednisolone via this service. Clear communication will be made with
    primary care with regards to ongoing medication supply.
  • The pharmacist ILD team can be contacted via email:
    ggc.interstiallungdisease@ggc.scot.nhs.uk, or by telephone on 07977 154764. This is staffed Monday to Friday and replies are normally within 24 hours.
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