Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medicines

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• As little as one adverse drug reaction (ADR) report can generate a safety signal, so every report counts.
• All healthcare professionals involved in patient care have a responsibility to report suspected ADRs.
• Reporting ADRs to the Yellow Card Scheme is quick and easy and can be done via the Yellow Card website or through the Yellow Card app (available on the App Store or Google Play). The MHRA has implemented Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to the Yellow Card website and app to enhance security to protect personal data.
• When reporting, provide as much information as possible. Only four pieces of information are required to submit a report: medicine name, suspected reaction (with as much detail as possible), at least one patient identifier and reporter details.
• Anyone can report an issue with medicines (including herbal or homeopathic), vaccines or nicotine containing e-cigarette and/or e-liquid to the Yellow Card Scheme. Healthcare professionals in Scotland should report issues related to medical devices (including blood glucose monitors, apps or insulin pumps) to the Incident Reporting & Investigation Centre (IRIC) and blood products to the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.
• ALL suspected ADRs to new medicines and vaccines under additional monitoring (black triangle scheme) should be reported regardless of severity and if they are already included in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Information on black triangle medicines can be found in the BNF, BNFC or SmPC.

Click here to access the full blog

Click here to access the full blog

Click here to access the full blog

Click here to access the full blog

• The NHSGGC Heparin Dose Adjustment in the Presence of Renal Impairment guideline has been updated.
• The updated NHSGGC guideline includes:
• Updated advice for thromboprophylaxis and monitoring requirements in patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) <15mL/min.
• Updated advice for therapeutic heparin dosing for patients with CrCl <15mL/min.
• Updated guidance for anticoagulation during haemodialysis.

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Click here to access the full blog

• Most patients with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) will be treated with oral direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for 8-12 weeks.
• DAAs should be continued during the hospital stay, unless the clinical condition of the patient precludes administration.
• Check for drug interactions with any new medicines; a useful source is www.hep-druginteractions.org.
• The HCV pharmacy team (see contact details in blog) can confirm the patient’s current regimen and provide clinical advice on safe/effective use of DAAs.
• Where available, use the patient’s own drugs (PODs). See ‘Administration and supply’ section for the process to follow if PODs are not available.
• At discharge, if the DAA regimen is dispensed in the community, contact the patient’s community pharmacy to ask them to resume supply.

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• All teams involved in the care of patients prescribed apremilast including specialist services, GP practices, and community pharmacies need to be aware of recent changes in supply arrangement. Prescribing and supply are moving from primary care to hospital Homecare Services following changes to pricing and supply arrangements. 

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• Proxor® metered dose inhaler (MDI) is now the first line ICS+LABA metered dose inhaler option within NHSGGC, in line with the West of Scotland Formulary.
• Proxor® MDI should be preferred choice for patients newly initiated on beclometasone/formoterol.
• Patients currently prescribed other beclometasone/formoterol MDIs may be reviewed and switched where clinically appropriate.
• This change is safe, cost-effective, and supported across NHSGGC.

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• The NHSGGC DOAC Patient Information Booklet and Alert Card have been updated with minor changes to the content (summarised in blog).
• The booklet contains key safety messages for patients taking a DOAC and is intended to reinforce verbal counselling.
• Electronic copies of the DOAC Patient Information Booklet and Alert Card are available. Printed copies can be ordered by NHSGGC staff (details here).
• Resources are also available from DOAC manufacturers that contain more detailed information and are specific to drug and indication. These can be found by searching electronic medicines compendium (emc) for the DOAC and selecting ‘Risk Materials'.
• An anonymous feedback survey is available for healthcare professionals and patients. Patients should be encouraged to provide feedback to inform any changes to future content.