Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medicines

To access the full blog via Microsoft Sway, click here

In March 2020 the MHRA issued a reminder notice highlighting the dangers associated with co-prescribing of benzodiazepines (B-Zs) and opioids. This was prompted by a coroner’s report following the death of a man prescribed clonazepam and, among other drugs, the opioid methadone. His death was attributed to the combination causing respiratory depression.

The GGC clinical guideline Opioid prescribing for chronic non-malignant pain advises “do not prescribe opioids to patients currently taking B-Zs”. Co-prescribing has additive effects in the central nervous system (CNS) leading to increased sedation, impaired alertness, reduced motor response and respiratory depression.

Despite the risks, Torrance et al 2018 found opioid prescribing in Scotland was increasing and co- prescribing of B-Zs was common.

To access the full blog via Microsoft Sway, click here

The GGC Formulary primarily recommends the prescription of generic medicines and the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Area Drug and Therapeutics Committee (ADTC) have previously issued guidance for prescribers to support generic prescribing.

To access the full blog via Microsoft Sway, click here

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.

To access the full blog via Microsoft Sway, click here

To access the full blog via Microsoft Sway, click here

Key messages:

• Lidocaine plasters are now non-formulary in NHSGGC.
• Prescribing data shows a sustained downward trend in the number of patients prescribed lidocaine plasters, with the associated reduction in spend within NHSGGC.
• April 2024 – January 2025  - there has been a 48.78 % reduction in the number of patients prescribed lidocaine plasters in Primary Care and a 47.41% reduction in spend.
• Reducing inappropriate prescribing of lidocaine plasters has been a focus of the NHSGGC Cost Efficiency Workplan since April 2024 and will continue to be a focus for 2025/26.
• Continue to review regularly with trials of reduction/cessation.
• Patients who have been using lidocaine plasters for more than 6 months, should trial stopping.
• De-prescribe in all patients where possible.

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

• The majority of NHSGGC Community Pharmacies can provide antibiotics and/or steroids via a patient group direction (PGD) for self-management of COPD exacerbations.
• Training is required for Pharmacies to take part.
• A COPD Rescue Medication Card is required to obtain supply.