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BMA guidance on prescribing responsibility and common prescribing questions.
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The new Medicines Optimisation Friendly Practice Framework, developed by PrescQIPP and endorsed by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), is now available for GP practices.
This week's medicines updates: a National Patient Safety Alert on StatStrip blood ketone test strip supply; shortages of lacidipine, Elvanse (lisdexamfetamine) 60mg and 70mg, and sugar-free Ventolin syrup; new BSol COPD guidelines; and prescribing of oral semaglutide.
DHSC's National Patient Safety Alert (1 October): don't start anyone on Levemir, and switch every existing patient to an alternative insulin by 30 November 2026, seeking specialist advice where needed. Fewer than 230 patients remain on Levemir across the cluster.
Don't prescribe Rybelsus for weight management. Review any patients on it for that reason and manage them through local weight pathways. Oral Wegovy must not be issued on NHS prescription in BSol or the Black Country.
Since September 2025, eligible patients with influenza can be given antivirals at any time of year, without waiting for confirmation that the flu season has started.
Wegovy tablets were licensed for weight management in June 2026, but aren't commissioned for NHS prescribing in BSol or the Black Country. Rybelsus is for type 2 diabetes only.
Some batches have no dose counter. Tell patients how to track doses and when to replace the inhaler.
Short until about 20 November 2026. Options include half of a higher-strength tablet, or another statin.
Lansoprazole 15mg and 30mg ODTs are short until January 2027. DHSC has issued two serious shortage protocols.
Stock is expected to run out by mid-November 2026. Review and switch patients to formulary alternatives.
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