Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medicines

Latest Medicines Updates & News

Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) in Adults: Oral and Intravenous Iron Therapy

Posted: Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Category - Medicines Update

  • Oral iron is the first line treatment of choice.
  • Investigations to determine the underlying cause should be considered in parallel with treatment.
  • IV iron should be reserved as a second line treatment option.*

* see inclusion criteria for IV iron therapy in full guideline, including use as first line agent in certain clinical settings.

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Polypharmacy Review in Adults Living with Moderate to Severe Frailty - Use of Psychotropic Medications in Patients with Dementia

Posted: Friday, July 12, 2024

Category - Medicines Update

Key Messages

  • Non-pharmacological approaches should be used first-line to manage stress and distress in dementia.
  • Psychotropic medications carry the risk of side effects which may cause serious avoidable harms (e.g. falls, sedation, etc) and should be used as a last resort in the management of stress and distress - other causes should be ruled out including infection, constipation, and pain.
  • If required, the lowest effective dose of psychotropic medication should be prescribed for the shortest possible period with regular review.
  • For patients under Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) psychotropic medication changes should be made in collaboration with their CMHT.
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Formulary Update (June 2024)

Posted: Thursday, June 20, 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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