NICE Evidence Update: Opioids in palliative care

28th May 2014

The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has produced a summary of the selected new evidence relevant to the use of opioids in palliative care since the NICE clinical guideline: Opioids in palliative care (CG140) was published in 2012. The new evidence identified in this Evidence Update (58) is not expected to have any potential impact on the existing guidance.

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Tramadol to become Schedule 3 Controlled Drug

21st May 2014

Tramadol, currently a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) will become a Schedule 3 Controlled Drug as from 10 June 2014 in England, Wales and Scotland. Controlled Drug prescription requirements will apply, but it will be exempt from safe custody requirements. This follows a consultation by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (see our news article 14 March 2014).

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Zopiclone and zaleplon to become Schedule 4 (Part 1) Controlled Drugs

21st May 2014

Zopiclone and zaleplon currently both Prescription Only Medicines (POM) will become Schedule 4 (Part 1) Controlled Drugs as from 10 June 2014 in England, Wales and Scotland. This brings them under the same category as zolpidem and the benzodiazepines (except temazepam and midazolam).

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Ranitidine injection supply problems

21st May 2014

There is a short-term manufacturer’s supply problem with ranitidine injection 50mg/2mL. We understand it is likely to last until the end of May 2014.

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Ketamine injection supply problems

16th May 2014

Pfizer UK has confirmed that it is currently out of stock of ketamine (Ketalar) 10mg/mL and 100mg/mL injection and that the 50mg/mL injection is very low.

There have been supply problems with ketamine injection since November 2012 (see our news article 21-09-2012).

The ketamine 10mg/mL and 100mg/mL are not expected to be back in stock until March 2015. There are currently no further details on the 50mg/mL injection.

For enquiries please contact Pfizer customer services (01304 616161).

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