Medicines information – 6 April

Guidance on depot antipsychotics

The Leeds and  York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust have produced some guidance to support primary care in managing patients on depot antipsychotics.

Mental health medicines optimisation liaison service

During the COVID 19 outbreak there may be an increase in demand for mental health support from patients. Please contact the MOLS team for support about any mental health medication enquiries.

New rapid NICE guidelines

On Saturday 4 April, NICE published four new Rapid Guidelines regarding management of certain cohorts of patients during COVID-19.  These are:

1) Severe asthma
2) Managing suspected or confirmed pneumonia in adults in the community
3) Rheumatological autoimmune, inflammatory and metabolic bone disorders
4) Managing symptoms (including at the end of life) in the community

Please note: if you are prescribing medicines for a possible COVID-19 positive patient, please remind them they must not attend the community pharmacy themselves, but must send a representative to collect.

Diabetes and coronavirus

Coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms and complications in people with diabetes. In addition, some patients with diabetes may be at higher risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which could put extra strain on the healthcare system. Diabetes specialists in Leeds and the Medicines Optimisation team have produced advice and resources for GPs and patients. This contains a list of locations of emergency stocks of blood ketone meters for primary care teams to access for patients who are unwell.

Diabetes & coronavirus resources

Safe management of patients on Warfarin for the management of non valvular AF 

More than ever before the system needs to work together to optimise care and management for people receiving anticoagulation. To facilitate this we are proposing a collaborative approach between LTHT, LCH and Primary Care to ensure that identified patients suitable for switching from Warfarin to DOAC are reviewed and managed in a timely manner.

Our approach has resulted in the identification of key priorities, aims and next steps – please download the documents below for more information.