EMIS Synonyms Update – April 2020
Key messages for primary care prescribers:
- The NHSGGC EMIS Drug Synonyms file (on StaffNet) has been updated to reflect recent updates to Anticipatory Prescribing ‘Just In Case’ medicines
- NHSGGC eHealth has created a new folder in the practice shared drive to improve access to the EMIS Drug synonyms file
Updates to ‘Just In Case’ medicines:
Due to the current pandemic, there have been a number of changes made to 'Just in Case' medicines. The Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines have also been updated to include
Additionally, Pharmacy Services have developed a Covid-19 NHSGGC Palliative Care Medicines for Care Homes Policy 2020.
This policy introduces Level 1 and 2 palliative care medicines (obtained via GP10A) and allows supplies of these medicines to be kept in the residential/nursing home allowing immediate availability for disease/symptom management.
Level 1: | Basic symptomatic relief medicines via minor adaptation of Homely Remedies Medicine Policy. Pharmacy (P) and General Sales List (GSL) Medicines |
Supplied via GP10A |
Level 2: | Routine non-scheduled Prescription Only Medicines (POMs) via pandemic clause exemptions from the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 | Supplied via GP10A |
Level 3: | Routine palliative care controlled drugs – individual patient prescription dispensed by community pharmacy as per usual care. | As per usual care |
New synonyms:
A number of new synonyms have been added to the NHSGGC EMIS Drug Synonyms file to aid prescribers.
JUST IN CASE-ALTERNATIVE – lists alternative oral/transdermal preparations when injectable medicines are not able to be sourced. This includes treatment of nausea and vomiting; pain; agitation; and respiratory tract secretions.
NH – for use by prescribers when continuing therapy for those patients who have received up to 48 hours of level 2 medicines in a nursing home. This includes treatment of exacerbation of COPD; treatment of community acquired pneumonia; and anticipatory medicines.
Changes to existing synonyms:
JUST IN CASE (DYSPNOEA) – morphine sulphate 10mg/1ml ampoules now recommended instead of diamorphine 5mg ampoules.
How to access the files:
NHSGGC eHealth has created a folder in the Practice Shared drive, the files are available by opening:
Practice Shared Drive > eHealth > Pharmacy-Services > GGC Drug Synonyms
Further Information:
For further advice or information please contact prescribing@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.
Published 25/05/2020. Medicines Update blogs are correct at the time of publication.