NEWS SMC accepts new medicines
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has published advice accepting seven new medicines for use in NHS Scotland.
Two of these medicines, ofatumumab (Azerra) for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) (a cancer of the white blood cells) and idelalisib (Zydelig) for the treatment of follicular lymphoma (another type of blood cancer), were considered under SMC’s PACE (Patient and Clinician Engagement) process.
Ofatumumab is used in combination with another cancer medicine, chlorambucil, to treat CLL in previously untreated patients who cannot receive therapy based on fludarabine. In the PACE meeting, patient groups and clinicians stated that the patients most likely to benefit from ofatumumab are those who are older, less fit and have co-morbidities.
Idelalisib, which was also considered under the PACE process, is the first of a new class of medicines to treat patients with follicular lymphoma who have not responded to two previous
EDITOR’S LETTER
Dear EditorFollowing publication of your article in Issue 2 of The Scottish Pharmacist entitled ‘Gluten Free Service Review’, I would like to make several comments on behalf of NHS Lothian.
“NHS Lothian was disappointed by the comments made in the article on gluten free foods in Scottish Pharmacist (Vol 7 Issue 2). The com- ments are subjective.
“The content makes it clear that the benefits of the service are to be assessed and it therefore seems in- appropriate and premature to com- ment on the implementation and success in any Health Board. NHS Lothian has participated fully in this scheme with inclusion of products in our local formulary.
“As for all therapeutic categories in the Lothian Joint Formulary, the recommendations on gluten free foods (GFF) were produced by a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients. For the GFF sections, there was also significant input from dietitians as well as representation from Coeliac UK.
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“The formulary provides a list of staple gluten free foods. The advice was produced taking into account many factors including nutritional content of products, current pre- scribing patterns in NHS Lothian, clinical opinion and costs. This list represents products that would be recommended to prescribe to meet the nutritional requirements of most adults and children.
“As with all formulary advice, where a formulary product is not suitable for an individual patient’s require- ments, we would expect there to be a discussion between the prescriber and the patient to identify a suit- able product. In the case of gluten free foods this may also involve a dietitian.
“NHS Lothian look forward to seeing the results of the Scottish Government review into the GFF service which is expected later this year. This review will take into account patient, pharmacist and GP opinion.”
Yours sincerely Professor Angela Timoney
courses of treatment. Idelalisib was also considered under the ultra orphan decision making process, which allows the Committee to consider the wider impact a medicine may have for patients and their carers beyond direct health benefits and also its impact on specialist services and costs to the NHS and Personal Social Services.
Vedolizumab (Entyvio) is used to treat moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis in adult patients when conventional therapy or medicines called TNF-alfa antagonists are ineffective, no longer effective, or cannot be tolerated by the patient.
SMC also accepted dexamethasone (Ozurdex) for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema. Budesonide (Budenofalk) was accepted for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis in patients who do not have severe liver disease. Also accepted for use were two medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes, liraglutide (Victoza), and linagliptin (Trajenta), when given in combination with insulin.
Janice Oman
Scotland Representation Manager
Scottish Government publishes response to consultations on forthcoming Public Health Bill The Scottish Government has responded to last year’s consultations on a number of policy areas aimed at building on existing public health measures and improving the standard of care. The National Pharmacy Association made formal representations about Electronic Cigarettes and Strengthening Tobacco Control Proposals for an Offence of Wilful Neglect or Ill-Treatment in Health and Social Care Settings Proposals to Introduce a Statutory Duty of Candour for Health and Social Care Services.
The Programme for Government 2014/15 highlighted the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving Scotland’s health outcomes and the introduction of a Public Health Bill. The forthcoming Bill will be now be introduced to take forward legislation in these policy areas.
The response can be accessed on
www.gov.scot/Publications. NPA written representations can be found at:
www.npa.co.uk/Independents-Voice/Your-voice- in-Scotland.
Flu vaccination training (NPA PGD Consult and Treat Service)
The NPA has announced Flu vaccination training sessions in Glasgow and Stirling on Sunday 26th July. The sessions will cover anaphylaxis, basic adult life support and information on the vaccination training programme. These sessions are supported by a series of online training modules and are suitable for those who are new to vaccination services as well as those requiring refresher training. To find out more information and to register please contact Nigel Page at NPA Pharmacy Services. Email
n.page@
npa.co.uk or call 01727 891800. Ask Your Pharmacist Resources: Public Health Campaigns.
Throughout 2015 NPA members have access to a range of Ask Your Pharmacist (AYP) campaign material to raise awareness of pharmacy services. In June AYP resources will focus on pharmacy services to support patients with long term conditions. This will coincide with national campaigns such as Diabetes Week from 14 – 20th June, providing a perfect opportunity to promote community pharmacy’s role in management of long term conditions and your role as experts in medicines. In July the focus will be on summer health. Resources will include posters, template press releases, social media updates and Powerpoint presentations. NPA Members can access the material at
npa.co.uk.
GPhC Conversation on Patient Centred Professionalism
The GPhC has launched a national conversation on patient-centred professionalism in light of changes to the role of pharmacy professionals and public expectations. A discussion paper is available to pharmacy professionals, patients and the public. This precedes a review of professional standards. To help shape the NPA’s response, NPA members are invited to email their views to
independentsvoice@npa.co.uk.
Please do not hesitate to contact Janice on
j.oman@
npa.co.uk if you have any issues you would like to raise.
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