The Norfolk & Waveney Prescriber Issue 119 April 2017 For Primary and Secondary Care Health Professionals in Norfolk & Waveney In this issue: Prescribing Safety News: MHRA Drug Safety Updates 2 TAG and Commissioning News 3-4 Drugs – discontinued, shortages and prices 5-6 Drugs – supply issues 7-8 Guidance and Policy News: - National: “NICE Bites” & NICE guidance 9-10 Guidance and Policy News: - Local: Key Message Bulletins 11-12 Cost-effective Prescribing Tips: 13 Ophthalmic Special Order products Atorvastatin Hot Topic: Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy 14 Prescribing Safety: Medicines and Serotonin Syndrome 15-16 Prescribing Advice: Metformin, Finasteride, and Inhalers 17-18 New Medicines & Indications News 19 Feedback and comments on this edition to
[email protected] / 01603 257035 Prescribing & Medicines Management Team – 1 NEL CSU Anglia Prescribing Safety News Main points from MHRA Drug Safety Updates February - March 2017 Articles relevant to Primary Care and Secondary Care: SGLT2 inhibitors: updated advice on increased risk of lower-limb amputation (mainly toes) Canagliflozin may increase the risk of lower-limb amputation (mainly toes) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Evidence does not show an increased risk for dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, but the risk may be a class effect. Preventive foot care is important for all patients with diabetes. Advice for healthcare professionals: o carefully monitor patients receiving canagliflozin who have risk factors for amputation, such as poor control of diabetes and problems with