Please click on the link below for details on the latest updates to the Red Amber List:

Link to letter regarding the latest changes to the Red Amber List – click to open

The review of regional shared care guidelines for the following neurology/movement disorder medicines is now complete:

• Apomorphine
• Cabergoline
• Pergolide
• Riluzole
• Tolcapone

These have been reviewed by a multidisciplinary shared care guideline review group and approved by the Regional Group on Specialist Medicines (HSCB).

These guidelines are intended to detail the respective clinical responsibilities of the Specialist and the GP when these medicines are prescribed by the GP on the recommendation of a specialist.

For clinical areas using printed guidelines, always check you are using the most up to date version.

Following publication of a safety update by MHRA regarding reports of osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal, the shared care guideline for denosumab (Prolia®) has been updated.

The updated guideline, available here, contains amended advice for healthcare professionals regarding the possibility of osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal which should be considered in patients receiving denosumab who present with ear symptoms including chronic ear infections or in those with suspected cholesteatoma.

In June 2017 the Regional Group on Specialist Medicines approved updated shared care guidelines for a number of DMARD type amber drugs. The recommendations in the guidelines are in line with the new 2016 BSR guideline.

Further information regarding changes in monitoring recommendations is available here.

Shared care guidelines for medicines used in ADHD and melatonin have been updated and approved by the Regional Group on Specialist Medicines and are now available on our website:

• Atomoxetine
• Dexamfetamine
• Guanfacine (New)
• Lisdexamfetamine (New)
• Melatonin
• Methylphenidate

For clinical areas using printed guidelines, always check you are using the most up to date version.

The Interface Pharmacist Network for Specialist Medicines are delighted to announce the launch of our new website. The move to a new website was originally prompted by a change in the technology used within HSCNI for publishing websites but we have also taken the opportunity to make some improvements to the way we publish the Red Amber List and Shared Care Guidelines.

We welcome any feedback on the new website that you may have – please feel free to get in touch with us – our contact details can be found here.