Tayside Area Formulary (TAF) - Updates: 2017

DTC Supp No - Month

TAPG Section

Drug(s)/Topic

Changes

Issue 160 - April 2017

Specialist Formulary Lists

Gastroenterology

 

Gastroenterology Specialist Formulary list updated to remove telaprevir and boceprevir and add elbasvir and grazoprevir film-coated tablet (Zepatier®) for chronic hepatitis C.

 

01.01

 

Dyspepsia and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Gaviscon Advance® now restricted to prescribing for symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) (Silent Reflux) and link to ENT department Silent Reflux PIL added.

Note added that Mucogel® (current formulary choice of co-magaldrox) is more cost effective than Maalox®.

01.02

Antispasmodics and other drugs altering gut motility

Link to MHRA Drug Safety Update. Hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan) injection: risk of serious adverse effects in patients with underlying cardiac disease, February 2017 added.

01.03

 

Antisecretory drugs and mucosal protectants

Link to updated guidance on H Pylori Testing and Eradication in Adults added. See page 2 for further information.

Ranitidine effervescent tablets and oral solution removed from formulary due to cost and note added to highlight this.

01.05

Chronic bowel disorders

 

New sub-sections (Oral, Topical, and Parenteral) added under Corticosteroids to make this section clearer. Prednisolone 25mg tablets, and 2.5mg E/C tablets now non-formulary. Cost of 5mg soluble tablets highlighted.

Hydrocortisone rectal foam (Colifoam®) now listed as first choice topical preparation; budesonide rectal foam (Budenofalk®) now listed as second choice topical preparation; and prednisolone rectal foam now listed as third choice topical preparation. Note also added on significant cost of prednisolone rectal foam.

01.05.04

Probiotics

Link to Tayside Treatment Protocol for VSL#3 Probiotic in Pouchitis updated to latest reviewed version (no changes to protocol content).

01.06

 

Laxatives

 

Laxido® Orange now joint first choice osmotic laxative with lactulose.

Docusate sodium solution/liquid removed from formulary due to cost and note added to highlight this.

Arachis oil enema note added on significant cost of this preparation.

Klean-Prep® replaced with Moviprep® for bowel cleansing preparations prior to procedures (Picolax® remains in formulary for some procedures). Choice of preparation is guided by the specialist area performing the procedure.

02.07

 

Sympathomimetics

 

Midodrine (Bramox®) now formulary (Amber traffic light) and added to the Medicine for the Elderly Specialist Formulary list for prescribing under specialist direction for severe orthostatic hypotension (only after other interventions have been tried) as per updated guidance notes.

02.08.02

 

Stroke prevention in AF  

 

Apixaban and rivaroxaban now both equal formulary choices (after Warfarin (first choice)) for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation as per updated Tayside Approach to Thromboprophylaxis for patients with non-valvular AF.

02.12

 

Bile acid sequestrants

 

Colesevelam hydrochloride added to formulary, Cardiology Specialist Formulary list and Gastroenterology Specialist Formulary list (Amber traffic light) for use only under specialist direction. Off-label for bile acid malabsorption. Link added to NICE ESUOM22 Bile acid malabsorption: colesevelam, October 2013.

Specialist Formulary Lists

Respiratory

 

Respiratory Specialist Formulary list updated to remove tiotropium (Spiriva® Respimat®) for asthma as per BTS/SIGN guidance, as this is now a Green traffic light medicine within the formulary. Aminophylline (intravenous infusion) added as a Red traffic light (Hospital Only) medicine.

Chapter 3

Respiratory system

Links to Respiratory MCN Adult Asthma Inhaled Medicine Chart and Respiratory MCN COPD Inhaled Medicine Chart are to latest updated versions.

03.01.01.01

Long-acting beta2 agonists - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

This section removed from the formulary including: indacaterol (Onbrez Breezhaler®), formoterol fumarate (Easyhaler®), and olodaterol (Striverdi Respimat®) - all single agent long-acting beta2 agonists for COPD now non-formulary.

03.01.02

Antimuscarinic bronchodilators - Asthma

Tiotropium (Spiriva® Respimat®) now listed as first choice (antimuscarinic bronchodilator) for additional add-on therapy for adult asthma as per BTS/SIGN guidance. This has also been changed from Amber to Green traffic light.

03.01.02

 

Antimuscarinic bronchodilators - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Glycopyrronium inhaler (Seebri Breezhaler®), umeclidinium (Incruse Ellipta®), and tiotropium (Spiriva® Respimat®), now first choice antimuscarinic bronchodilators for COPD (step 2) as per updated Respiratory MCN COPD Inhaled Medicine Chart. Aclidinium (Eklira Genuair®) now a second choice antimuscarinic bronchodilator for COPD (step 2).

03.01.03

Theophylline

Link to the Protocol for Intravenous (IV) aminophylline and Oral (PO) theophylline added. See page 2 for further information.

03.01.04

 

Compound bronchodilator preparations (inhaled)

 

Indacaterol and glycopyrronium (Ultibro® Breezhaler®), umeclidinium and vilanterol (Anoro® Ellipta®), and tiotropium and olodaterol (Spiolto Respimat®), now first choice compound bronchodilator preparations for COPD (step 3) as per updated Respiratory MCN COPD Inhaled Medicine Chart. Aclidinium and formoterol fumarate (Duaklir Genuair®) now a second choice compound bronchodilator for COPD (step 3).

03.01.05

Peak flow meters, inhaler devices and nebulisers

Volumatic® spacer device removed from formulary as AeroChamber Plus® is for use with all pressurised metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). Text on use of spacer devices now in line with BNF information.

03.02

 

Corticosteroids (inhaled) – single agent

 

Beclometasone (Qvar®) now first choice MDI option of single agent inhaled corticosteroid for adults with asthma as per BTS/SIGN guidance. Beclometasone dry powder (most cost-effective device is Easyhaler®) now first choice dry powder inhaler (DPI) option of single agent inhaled corticosteroid for adults with asthma as per BTS/SIGN guidance. Beclometasone (Clenil Modulite®) and budesonide dry powder inhaler now non-formulary.

03.02

 

Compound preparations - Asthma

 

Beclometasone and formoterol (Fostair®) now first choice MDI option of compound (ICS/LABA) preparation for adult asthma as per BTS/SIGN guidance, and fluticasone propionate and formoterol (Flutiform®) second choice. Beclometasone and formoterol (Fostair NEXThaler®) now first choice DPI option of compound preparation for adult asthma as per BTS/SIGN guidance, and fluticasone furoate and vilanterol (Relvar Ellipta®) second choice. Budesonide and formoterol (DuoResp Spiromax®) now non-formulary.

03.02

 

Compound preparations - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

 

Beclometasone and formoterol (Fostair®) and (Fostair NEXThaler®), and fluticasone furoate and vilanterol (Relvar Ellipta®) now first choice option of compound bronchodilator (ICS/LABA) for COPD (step 4) as per updated Respiratory MCN COPD Inhaled Medicine Chart. Budesonide and formoterol (Symbicort®) now second choice option of compound preparation (aerosol inhalation) for COPD (step 4). Budesonide and formoterol (DuoResp Spiromax®) now non-formulary.

03.04.03

 

Anaphylaxis

 

Emerade® (adrenaline (as tartrate)) solution for injection in pre-filled pen added to formulary for self-administration of intramuscular adrenaline for anaphylaxis in new patients prescribed adrenaline auto-injector. Training of patients is required for those new to self-administered adrenaline and for any patients who are to be switched between different brands of devices. See Tayside Prescriber No. 146 for further information.

03.07

Mucolytics

Carbocisteine now listed as restricted, see page 3 for further information.

05.03.03.02

Chronic hepatitis C

Elbasvir/grazoprevir (Zepatier®) tablets added to formulary and Gastroenterology Specialist Formulary list(Hospital Only) as per SMC advice. See SMC advice on page 4.

06.01.06

Oral glucose tolerance test

Glucose (Rapilose® OGTT) oral solution added for oral glucose tolerance tests (preferred agent in primary care).

06.03.01

Replacement therapy

Link to updated guidance notes on orthostatic hypotension amended.

07.04.02

Urinary incontinence

 

Links to NICE CG171 Urinary incontinence in women: management, last updated Nov 2015 and NICE CG97 Lower urinary tract symptoms in men: management, last updated June 2015 added as previous SIGN guideline withdrawn.

Links to NHS Tayside Clinical Knowledge Pathway - Physiotherapy / CATS management of urinary incontinence in women and Scottish Polypharmacy Guidance, March 2015 added.

Tolterodine tartrate standard (immediate-release) tablets now first choice antimuscarinic for urinary incontinence. Oxybutynin standard (immediate-release) tablets now second choice antimuscarinic for urinary incontinence. Oxybutynin patches are restricted to use in patients who cannot take oral antimuscarinics. Note added to avoid oxybutynin (immediate-release) tablets in elderly, frail or those with cognitive impairment.

Solifenacin now an Amber traffic light (only for prescribing by GPs on the advice of Urology/Uro-gynaecology) and added to the Urology Specialist list and Obstetrics & Gynaecology Specialist list. See page 3 for further information.

New sub-sections added: Beta3-adrenoceptor agonists for mirabegron, and Botulinum toxin (urinary incontinence) for botulinum toxin type A (Botox®).

13.02.02

Barrier preparations

Recommended barrier products used in the management of incontinence updated: ‘Sorbaderm cream’ and ‘Sureprep no-sting film spray’ now recommended.

13.05.02

Other Systemic therapy for psoriasis

Apremilast treatment protocol updated further to MHRA Drug Safety Update. Apremilast: risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour, January 2017.

Issue 159 - February 2017

01.05.03

Drugs affecting the immune response

Methotrexate subcutaneous injection – now Amber traffic light in formulary and Gastroenterology specialist formulary list as per updated Shared Care Agreement. For further information see Tayside ADTC Supplement No 158 - December 2016.

Chapter 2

Cardiovascular system

Links to SIGN 148 Acute coronary syndrome, April 2016 updated throughout Chapter 2.

02.09

 

Antiplatelet drugs

 

Ticagrelor now listed as a second choice antiplatelet in formulary and Cardiology specialist formulary list (Amber traffic light – GPs may prescribe under direction of Cardiology). Ticagrelor is indicated in combination with aspirin only on the recommendation of Cardiology for confirmed acute coronary syndrome in accordance with SIGN 148 Acute coronary syndrome, April 2016. Clopidogrel is first choice in combination with aspirin for acute coronary syndrome now clarified as first choice for suspected acute coronary syndrome in combination with aspirin. Prasugrel is now non-formulary. Angioplasty antiplatelet algorithm removed from formulary as superseded by SIGN 148.

02.12

Other lipid modifying agents

Alirocumab subcutaneous injection - link added to Alirocumab (PCSK9) - Consultant Only (CV risk clinic) Prescribing flow chart.

Chapter 3

Respiratory System

Links throughout chapter to BTS/SIGN guideline on the management of asthma updated to latest version (September 2016).

04.02

 

Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders

 

Formulary and Mental Health specialist formulary list antipsychotics reviewed and rationalised. Levomepromazine (for use in schizophrenia), sulpiride and lurasidone now non-formulary. Antipsychotics used only by specialist Mental Health services removed from main formulary and listed only on Mental Health specialist formulary list: zuclopenthixol acetate injection (Clopixol Acuphase®), and aripiprazole injection (Abilify®). Olanzapine and quetiapine now listed as first choice atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics in addition to risperidone.

Fluphenazine decanoate depot injection now non-formulary.

Several oral solution/liquid or oro-dispersible tablet formulations removed from formulary due to cost and notes added to highlight these.

04.03

 

Antidepressant drugs

 

Tayside guidance for using antidepressants in primary care updated. 

Formulary and Mental Health specialist formulary list antidepressants reviewed and rationalised. Amitriptyline (for use as an antidepressant) and nortriptyline now non-formulary.

Isocarboxazid and tranylcypromine now non-formulary.

Paroxetine now non-formulary.

Sertraline listed as second choice SSRI, fluoxetine remains the first choice SSRI.

Tryptophan (unlicensed) now non-formulary.

Several oral solution/liquid formulations removed from formulary due to cost and notes added to highlight these.

04.06

 

Other drugs for Ménière's disease  

 

Green traffic light removed for betahistine (changed to Amber traffic light) - may be prescribed by GPs under specialist direction as it is only indicated for the prevention of episodes of Ménière's disease.

04.07.03

 

Neuropathic pain

 

New sub-section added on topical treatments for neuropathic pain. This is following a review of the management of neuropathic pain. Menthol 1% in aqueous cream has been added to the formulary as a first choice option for symptomatic relief of post-herpetic neuralgia or neuropathic pain in patients for whom a topical treatment is preferred (off-label). Capsaicin cream 0.025% and 0.075% has also been listed as a first choice option for the same indication (also off-label). Axsain® 0.075% cream is licensed for post-herpetic neuralgia.

Lidocaine 5% medicated plasters are now restricted to use for patients who don’t respond to or are intolerant of first and second line systemic therapies or first choice topical treatments (i.e. menthol 1% in aqueous cream or capsaicin cream). It is now recommended that lidocaine plasters are reviewed at 2 weeks after initiation and 6 monthly thereafter.

04.08.01

Retigabine

Changed to non-formulary as manufacturer is discontinuing this.

05.03.03.02

Chronic hepatitis C

Link to National Clinical Guideline on treatment of HCV in adults updated to latest version (January 2017).

06.04.01.02

 

Progestogens and progesterone receptor modulators

Additional indication added to formulary and Obstetrics & Gynaecology specialist formulary list for ulipristal acetate (Esmya®) – for the intermittent treatment of moderate or severe symptoms of uterine fibroids in adult women of reproductive age.

10.01.03

 

Drugs affecting the immune response

 

Methotrexate subcutaneous injection – now Amber traffic light in formulary and Rheumatology specialist formulary list as per updated Shared Care Agreement. For further information see Tayside ADTC Supplement No 158 - December 2016.

 

10.02.02

 

Skeletal muscle relaxants

 

Baclofen now green traffic light (non-specialist initiation) for relief of spasticity of voluntary muscle associated with neurological damage including stroke. Tizanidine remains as Amber traffic light (GPs can prescribe under specialist direction).

Note added to baclofen and tizanidine entries to remind prescribers there are numerous drug interactions possible with baclofen or tizanidine.

12.01

 

Drugs acting on the ear

 

Acetic acid 2% (Earcalm®) added to formulary for mild otitis externa as per ENT Infection Management Guidance.

Note on when to use ear drops or ear spray added to anti-inflammatory preparations for otitis externa.

Ciprofloxacin 0.3% (Ciloxan® ophthalmic solution) off-label use for otitis externa replaced by licensed ciprofloxacin 0.3% / dexamethasone 0.1% ear drops (Cilodex®) (Green traffic light) as per ENT Infection Management Guidance.

12.02

 

Drugs acting on the nose

 

Xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1% nasal spray/drops (Otrivine Adult®) added to formulary as a topical nasal decongestant (maximum duration of treatment 7 days).

 

Chlorhexidine dihydrochloride and neomycin sulfate nasal cream (Naseptin®) note added that this contains arachis oil and is not suitable for those with allergies to peanuts or soya.

12.03

 

Drugs acting on the oropharynx

 

Links to NHS Tayside Oral Thrush Guidance updated to new version (December 2016). Fluconazole and miconazole now first choice treatments for oral candidiasis, nystatin oral suspension listed as second choice. Note on updated dose added to Nystatin entry. See page 1 for further information.

Tranexamic acid oral solution (unlicensed) for use as mouthwash no longer listed in this section – information moved to section 02.11.

13.02.01

Emollients

Link to cost chart for emollients updated for February 2017.

13.05.03

Systemic treatments

 

Methotrexate subcutaneous injection – now Amber traffic light in formulary and Dermatology specialist formulary list as per updated Shared Care Agreement. For further information see Tayside ADTC Supplement No 158 - December 2016.

13.07

Imiquimod

Local protocol for the use of imiquimod 5% cream in actinic keratoses removed as no longer required.

© 2016 NHS Tayside