BHWC
H2 antagonists/PPIs: check if there has been no proven peptic ulcer, GI bleeding or dyspepsia for 1 year. Continued use may contribute to C difficile infection. Laxatives: check if previous use of opioid analgesics has been reduced or stopped; if regular bowel movements are occurring without difficulty; if the patient is eating and drinking and has an adequate fluid intake. If more than one laxative is used, reduce and stop one at a time – reducing the stimulant laxative first and increasing the dose of the osmotic laxative if necessary. Antihypertensives: check if the BP is too low; if the risks outweigh the benefits stop one antihypertensive at a time – restart if BP increases above NICE target (140/90 for under 80 years, 150/90 for over 80 years). ACEIs in elevated vascular risk NNT 280 and in impaired LV function NNT 30 to prevent one death (all-cause mortality). ACEI plus indapamide NNT 55 to prevent one stroke. Nitrates: check if the patient has had no chest pain for six months or has reduced mobility. Lipid lowering drugs: re-evaluate the patient risk profile; stop in metastatic disease. (It is impossible to give evidence based guidance on whether to continue or stop statins in the over 80s due to the paucity of trial data however in primary prevention they may increase all-cause mortality). Aspirin: if used in primary prevention re-evaluate need (massive NNT); query doses above 150mg for cardiovascular indication and its use in dizziness which is not clearly attributable to cerebrovascular disease. Post stroke/TIA NNT 100 to prevent one stroke, MI or vascular death. Stopping aspirin prescribed for secondary prevention has NNH 250. Dipyridamole: Clopidogrel is now preferred over dipyridamole in ischaemic stroke and peripheral artery disease. However post stroke/TIA the combination of dipyridamole plus aspirin has similar NNT to clopidogrel NNT 100 to prevent one vascular event. Anticoagulants: if started following hip or knee surgery are they still required? Consider if long term warfarin use is still required e.g. if VTE provoked by surgery, other trigger factors or below knee. Warfarin may be indicated e.g. in AF with another risk factor NNT with warfarin instead of aspirin 40 to prevent one stroke (no difference in mortality). Benzodiazepines: check if physical and psychological health and personal circumstances are stable and consider withdrawal which should be gradual. Antipsychotics: in dementia patients with BPSD review and discontinue unless there is extreme risk or distress for the patient. Standardised symptom evaluations and drug cessation attempts should be undertaken at regular intervals. Withdrawal after long term therapy should be gradual and closely monitored. Antidepressants: for a single episode of depression treat for six to nine months; for multiple episodes treat for at least two years; do not use dosulepin; consider ACB score and potential to worsen dementia, glaucoma, constipation and urinary retention; SSRIs can induce hyponatraemia; withdrawal should be gradual. Drugs for dementia: review according to NICE guidance – they can be continued if having a worthwhile effect. Opioid analgesics: check if pain is still severe enough to warrant a regular opioid as the risk of falls/constipation can outweigh the benefits; consider non-drug options e.g. regular paracetamol; review laxatives.
Tamsulosin
Use IPSS toassess if this is working
Medication Review
Protocol for Practice Pharmacists
(Can be modified for use for nurses, doctors and technicians)
November 2018
Overview
A definition of medication review is “a structured, critical examination of a patient’s medicines with the objective of reaching an agreement with the patient about treatment, optimising the impact of medicines, minimising the number of medication related problems and reducing waste”. (Room for Review, 2002)1
The review should, ideally be with the patient and their current medication to hand – but as a minimum with the full medical notes:
Check that
* the medication prescribed is appropriate for the patient’s needs
* the medication is effective for the patient
* the medication is a cost effective choice
* any required monitoring has been done or arrangements are in place Consider
* drug interactions
* side effects
* compliance
* concordance
* over-the-counter and complementary medicines
* lifestyle and non-medicinal interventions
* unmet need
Record
* information pertinent to any decisions made
* Read Code appropriate to the review:
Level 2: Treatment Review – a review of medicines with the patient’s full notes 8B314 or 8B3S
Level 3 (also Type 3): Clinical Medication Review – a face to face review of medicines and condition (8B3x)
* Proposed follow up
The following do not count as a full clinical medication review, but may be useful as part of the medication review process:
* technical check of the medication list or tidying up medication records e.g. removing unrequested items from repeats or dose optimisation
* switching to a formulary item
* “linking” medication to a “problem”
* re-authorising the repeat list or reviewing an individual medication/ disease without reviewing all medication as above
* asking the patient “is everything else alright?” at the end of a consultation
* an MUR, a Medicines Use Review by community pharmacists
The practice should have a Repeat Prescribing Policy that incorporates the process for medication review e.g. responsibilities of all staff involved; how a regular review is ensured; prescription duration; formulary adherence and process to be followed if a patient does not attend for monitoring as requested.
Background
Medication is by far the most common form of medical intervention. Four out of five people over 75 years take a prescription medicine and 36% are taking four or more drugs. 1 However, we also know that up to 50% of drugs are not taken as prescribed;2,3 many drugs in common use can cause problems and that adverse reactions to medicines are implicated in 5-17% of hospital admissions. This leads to difficult decisions, particularly with the frail elderly, whether to initiate or discontinue medication.
Medication review is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of medicines management, preventing unnecessary ill health and avoiding waste.
Involving patients in prescribing decisions and supporting them in taking their medicines is a key part of improving patient safety, health outcomes and satisfaction with clinical care.
Despite the publication of nationally recognised guidance on medication review in 20021 and 20084 there is often still a lack of common understanding of what constitutes a medication review. Consequently the effectiveness of medication review can vary widely – this document aims to bring consistency to the standard of medication review delivered.
Principles of Medication Review 1
* All patients should have a chance to raise questions and highlight problems about their medicines.
* The medication review seeks to improve or optimise impact of treatment for an individual patient.
* The review is undertaken in a systematic and comprehensive way, by a competent person.
* Any changes resulting from the review are agreed with the patient.
* The review is documented in the patient’s notes.
* The impact of any change is monitored.
Types and Levels of Medication Review
Medication review was originally a loose term but it has been gradually refined.
“Levels” of medication review were introduced by “Room For Review” in 2002 and are dependent on the level of detail of information used for the review 1
Level 1: Prescription Review – a technical review of the list of a patient’s medicines (8B3h). Level 2: Treatment Review – a review of medicines with the patient’s full notes (8B314 or 8B3S).
Level 3: Clinical Medication Review – a face to face review of medicines and condition (8B3x).
The face to face element was deemed important because patients’ views about their medication will influence whether they take their medicines and non-compliance can cause ill health and cost to the NHS.
In 2008 the National Prescribing Centre published A Guide to Medication Review.4 This is a framework for medication review with practical advice and examples. It describes different “types” of review in a less hierarchical manner than previously, as it recognised that different types of review each have a useful purpose and it is possible to have a useful discussion with the patient about their medication (face to face) without having the full notes as described as a level 3 review.
The types are:
Type 1: Prescription review – addresses issues relating to the prescription or medicines; the patient does not need to be present, nor access to full notes.
Type 2: Concordance and compliance review – addresses issues relating to the patient’s medicine taking behaviour e.g. an MUR (Medicines Use Review by community pharmacists).
Type 3: Clinical medication review – addresses issues relating to the patient’s use of medicines in the context of their clinical condition.
This practice guide is aimed at achieving a good quality Type 3 review, but can also be applied in part to a Level 2 or 3 review.
Who to review?
The first element of a systematic approach will be to identify the patients who might benefit from a review.
NHS England recommends that medication review is an essential part of addressing the risks associated with polypharmacy.9 Wherever possible this should incorporate the patient’s views, therefore is most effective if they are present.
The National Service Framework for Older People stated: “By 2002: All people over age of 75 should normally have their medicines reviewed at least annually and those taking four or more medicines should have a review 6-monthly” This is mandatory for NHS organisations.2
To give all patients an annual medication review is an ideal to strive for, but in the meantime there is an argument for targeting full clinical medication reviews to those patients who are likely to benefit most.
Room for Review and A Guide to Medication Review suggested the following target groups to prioritise medication review:
Patients at risk of medicines-related problems
* taking four or more medicines every day
* on a complex medication regimen or more than 12 doses in a day
* recently discharged from hospital
* recently transferred to care home
* frequent hospital admissions
* with multiple diseases
* receiving medicines from more than one source e.g. specialist and GP
* significant changes to the medication regimen in the past 3 months or more than 4 changes in medication in the past 12 months
* taking higher risk medicines - those requiring special monitoring e.g. lithium; those with a wide range of side effects e.g. NSAIDs; or a narrow therapeutic range e.g. digoxin; or on drugs not commonly used in primary care (North West London Red List is available from http://www.brentccg.nhs.uk/en/prescribing-team/north-westlondon-red-list)
* symptoms suggestive of an adverse drug reaction
* longstanding use of psychotropic medication
* where non-compliance is suspected or known
* high incidence of self medication
Special needs
* older people
* residents in care homes
* learning difficulties
* sensory impairment e.g. sight or hearing
* physical problems e.g. arthritis, swallowing difficulties
* mental states such as confusion, depression, anxiety, serious mental illness
* communication difficulties
* literacy or language difficulties
* minority ethnic groups
* refugees and asylum seekers
* living alone or poor carer support
* housebound
* recent falls
* identified by a screening tool (appendix 1)
Opportunities to improve care
* new evidence or guidelines
* newly diagnosed long term condition
* out of date care plan
* newly registered patient
Where possible, before a medication review, patients should be provided with written information about the review including what they can do to prepare for the review.4 See appendix 2 for one example of a patient leaflet that may be adapted for use in the practice.
Who does the review?
A competent person should do the review.
In practice doctors, pharmacists, technicians and nurses have the clinical skills and therapeutic knowledge to perform all aspects of medication review described here. Other practice staff may be able to deliver some, but not all of these elements – their work can be used to contribute to the full medication review process but should not be classed as a full medication review itself.
As of November 2018, level 2 reviews are conducted by the practice pharmacist. If level 3 review is required this can be done by CCG medication review pharmacist. More work is currently needed to link the level 2 practice pharmacist review with community pharmacy medication reviews to combine these into the result of a complete level 3 review.
Asthmatics/COPD/Diabetics/Contraceptives must be reviewed by a nurse (or doctor) at least every 12 months face to face.
How often is the review carried out?
Depending on medications involved. Generally, all patients should have a review once a year. Patients who are being seen by specialists will only need a level 1 review at the practice. Asthmatics, diabetics, COPD patients require a level 3 at least every 3 months. All other patients are currently being reviewed at level 2 or 3 every 12 months.
What should the review cover?
To continue good practice previously incorporated into QOF, guidance previously stated that “at least a level 2 medication review will occur” i.e. the minimum standard is a treatment review of medicines with the full notes but not necessarily with the patient present. However QOF guidance went on to say that “all patients should have the chance to raise questions and highlight problems about their medicines” and that “any changes resulting from the review are agreed with the patient”.
It also stated that practices are expected to:
* Minimise waste in prescribing and ineffective treatments; and
* Engage effectively in the prevention of ill health to avoid the need for costly treatments by proactively managing patients to recovery through the whole care pathway in acting as conscientious gatekeepers to services.
For each drug:
Check that
• The medication prescribed is appropriate for the patient’s needs
Following hospital discharge there may be unintentional changes to regular medication or conversely medication may have been introduced that was appropriate
in the hospital setting, but is not needed at home e.g. hypnotics, enteral nutrition or nebules.
National and local evidence-based guidelines should be considered at this stage.
A medication may be time-limited e.g. clopidogrel and aspirin in combination for one year.
Drugs of “limited clinical value” are flagged up in the BNF, and the STOPP START Toolkit suggests medication that might be inappropriate for older people in certain situations. The dose prescribed should be reconsidered with advancing age or changing physiology e.g. renal clearance.
It is unlawful for service providers to discriminate on grounds of age however for medication that has clinical benefit only after use for a number of years or is intended to prevent events in the distant future it is appropriate to consider the patient’s life expectancy when weighing up the benefits versus risks of a treatment. If the answer to the question “Would you be surprised if this patient were to die in the next few months, weeks or days?” is anything other than “yes” then reference to the Gold Standards Framework Prognostic Indicator Guidance 6 may clarify this and then the medication review process should aim to provide the patient with medication that enables them to “live well until they die”.
Particular care should be taken with drugs that are poorly tolerated in the frail elderly. These drugs are listed in the STOPP START Toolkit.
Appendix 3 contains further supporting information such as NNT (numbers needed to treat).
Consideration should also be given to what might happen if the drug were stopped.
* The medication is effective for the patient – this may involve objective evidence e.g. change in HbA1c or discussion with the patient. In frail patients precedence may be given to drugs that provide symptomatic benefit or those that prevent rapid worsening of symptoms.
* The medication is a cost effective choice - prescribing within NICE guidance and the North West London Integrated Formulary ensures that drug choices are evidence based and cost effective. The medication should be prescribed generically wherever appropriate. Specials (unlicensed products, imports and special formulations) are rarely cost effective. In preference a licensed alternative should be sought, if necessary used outside the licence. The Prescribing Team can provide advice and a guide to alternatives.
* Any required monitoring has been done or arrangements are in place e.g. blood tests specific to a medication or to monitoring a disease. Some guidelines are available on the Prescribing Team section of the Brent CCG Extranet
(http://www.brentccg.nhs.uk/en/prescribing-team/guidelines-and-formularies). Your Prescribing Adviser will be able to advise on medication monitoring.
Consider
* Drug interactions – also consider the impact of withdrawing an interacting drug e.g.
simvastatin and warfarin.
* Contraindications to the drug – this status may have changed since the drug was originally prescribed (either a change in licensing/evidence or a change in patient factors such as kidney function or co-morbidities) so that the benefit to risk ratio is no longer favourable. See Appendix 3 for numbers needed to treat and harm for commonly prescribed drugs.
* Side effects – adverse reactions are implicated in many hospital admissions; they can also lead to non-compliance and therefore ineffectual treatment. Some drugs may be appropriately prescribed to mitigate side-effects, but in many cases the original need for the original drug can be reconsidered e.g. should a PPI be co-prescribed with an NSAID, or could the NSAID be replaced with a less toxic option?
* Compliance – it is estimated that 50% of medicines are not taken as prescribed. The history of prescription “issues” can indicate non-compliance but cannot be relied upon due to possible hoarding. The patient may have practical issues such as swallowing difficulties or remembering to take medication in a complex regimen. For patients that struggle to manage ordering repeat medication in time, repeat dispensing and/or the electronic transfer of prescriptions might help. The patient could also be encouraged to see the community pharmacist for an MUR or for provision of large labels, easy-open containers etc.
* Concordance – if the patient understands the rationale behind their treatment, they are more likely to take the medication as prescribed and adopt other non-medical measures.
NICE now recognises this patient-centred approach as a key part of the medication review process and has issued specific guidance to support improved adherence.7 This may be particularly important in the very elderly who may no longer be interested in medication that prolongs life, but be more willing to take medication that allows them to live without pain or discomfort. Patient decision aids can be used to inform patients about the risks and benefits of treatment e.g. available from http://sdm.rightcare.nhs.uk/
* Over-the-counter and complementary medicines – many potent medicines can now be purchased by the patient; these may have side effects, antagonise or augment prescribed medication or affect the course of the disease. e.g. St John’s Wort reducing contraceptive effect or decongestants in cough and cold remedies elevating blood pressure.
* Lifestyle and non-medicinal interventions – the patient may be more willing to adopt a lifestyle change than take medication – or have made a lifestyle change that negates the need for treatment e.g. weight loss to control hypertension. Lifestyle
interventions that complement pharmacological therapy should also be promoted as appropriate.
* Unmet need - this is an opportunity to identify and treat new conditions, particularly those that increase in prevalence with age e.g. atrial fibrillation, heart failure and dementia. Some conditions are frequently under-treated e.g. warfarin could be more widely used to prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation. The STOPP START Toolkit is a detailed aid to medication that might be either inappropriate or worth starting in the elderly.
Tools to support medication review
The NO TEARS tool is a mnemonic designed to prompt consideration of the key areas above during a ten minute consultation (Appendix 5). 8
The STOPP START Toolkit is a detailed aid to medication that might be either inappropriate or worth starting in the elderly.
Prescribers still need to use their clinical judgement when adjusting a patient’s medication – the NNTs and NNHs can only be a guide as they are limited by the original study limitations (e.g. frail elderly excluded from trials) and may not take into account the combination of therapy given to an individual patient.
Appendix 4 gives a sample paper based medication review template designed for pharmacist use but that can be adapted for other clinicians.
Implementing changes
Medication changes may be implemented during medication review by a prescriber.
However, if the reviewer is not a prescriber then any recommendation for change must be discussed with/communicated to the prescriber using an agreed method. The prescriber should then record any changes, or reasons for not implementing recommended changes, in the patient’s records.
Documentation
Record
* Information pertinent to any decisions made
* Recommendations (if the reviewer is not a prescriber)
* Read Code appropriate to the review
Level 2: Treatment Review – a review of medicines with the patient’s full notes (8B314 or 8B3S)
Level 3 (also Type 3): Clinical Medication Review – a face to face review of medicines and condition (8B3x)
A review undertaken by a medicines management pharmacist should be Read coded as 8BMY
If an MUR has been undertaken by a community pharmacist this should be Read coded as 8BMF
* Proposed follow up.
Bettercare pharmacist reviews
* Sephora Shaw is the cluster 6 bettercare pharmacist. Her mobile number is and her email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
* Referal criteria:
o Those on 5 or more medications
o Struggling to manage medicines or unclear on indication for medicines
o Recent discharge from hospital with one or more changes to medication
o History of falls
o Specific medication problems e.g. possible side effect, interaction(s), taking a drug with no obvious indication
o Significant changes to medication in the last 3 months i.e.≥2 changes including medication stopped/started/dose changed.
o Renal or liver impairment.
o Chronic illnesses causing recurrent hospital admissions or primary care contacts (e.g. heart failure, epilepsy, asthma, COPD, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, Parkinson’s disease, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis).
o Recent decline in patient daily activity or deterioration in condition.
* A referral must contain the following
o Patient details
o Contact details of patient/relative to arrange appointments and any specific communication needs if known e.g. interpreter
o Reason for referral (attach any relevant documentation e.g. current medication list or recent hospital discharge letter)
o Confirmation of patient consent for the pharmacist to access GP medical records
o Contact details of individual making the referral
o Please specify any known security issues about home visits
Monitored dosage System (blister patients)
* Sue Sherrin is responsible for ensuring all patients on the blister, weekly and daily prescribed list are reviewed.
* The list is screened regularly, and we work in a 3-month cycle. A column within the list identifies when the next review is due.
* Any patients needing level 3 review should be tasked to Sephora Shaw.
* Any remaining patients will be reviewed by the practice pharmacist. Sue will book a telephone appointment slot.
Quick checklist
* Are blood tests up to date?
* Is BP/Weight up to date if required – antihypertensives, antipsychotics, orlistat
* Is patients asthmatic/diabetic/COPD/contraceptive – have they had their annual
* Have their antidepressants been reviewed at least in the last 12 months?
* Check specific meds as below
Specific Medications (in alphabetical order)
Clopidrogel
* Is there a stop date in cardiology communication. If so, this should be noted in journal (in script info). Clopidrogel s commonly prescribed for 12months only.
* Co prescribing with aspirin is usually only short term. The review should confirm that all BHWC patients are being co-prescribed these medications appropriately. An audit has been carried out on this September 2018 but any patients identified should be reviewed at the medication review.
* Review the need for a PPI – only for those at risk (NICE 2019 recommends and PPI except omeprazole or esomeprazole)
Orlistat
1. Patient current weight and BMI
2. BMI of 30 (or 28 or more with associated risk factors) FH, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, cushing disease, PSOD, steroids, antidepressants,
3. Has it decreased by 5% since initiation
4. Is patient on any other weight loss medications
5. Does patient have any contraindications
6. Is the patient taking vitamin D supplements
7. Is patient currently suffering with side effects
8. Annual discussion around potential benefits and limitations with the patient, reinforcement of adherence and lifestyle
9. Assign diagnosis on medication: weight loss / weight maintenance
Reference sources: https://pathways.nice.org.uk/pathways/obesity#path=view%3A/pathways/obesity/obesity-management-in-adults.xml&content=view-node%3Anodes-drug-treatment https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/causes.html
Valproic acid
Confirm the following has been fulfilled:
1. Patient understands she must not get pregnant whilst taking valproate and will contact GP if ever in doubt
2. Last specialist review within last 12 months
3. Patient aware that she needs annual review with specialist (does a referral need to be made)
4. Patient on PPP programme
5. Patient has been given patient guide
6. Patient has been given booklet
7. Annual risk acknowledgment form in medical records
References
1. Room for Review: A guide to medication review: the agenda for patients, practitioners and managers. Task Force on Medicines Partnership and The National Collaborative medicines Management Services Programme. 2002
2. Department of Health. National Service Framework for Older People 2001. www.dh.gov.uk
3. From Compliance to Concordance 1997. Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
4. A Guide to Medication Review 2008. National Prescribing Centre. A framework for medication review with practical advice.
5. Quality and Outcomes Framework guidance for GMS contract 2012/13 http://www.nhsemployers.org/PayAndContracts/GeneralMedicalServicesContract/QOF/Pages/QualityOu tcomesFramework.aspx
6. Prognostic Indicator guidance http://www.goldstandardsframework.org.uk/Resources/Gold%20Standards%20Framework/General/Prog nostic%20Indicator%20Guidance%20October%202011.pdf
7. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. NICE clinical guideline 76. Medicines Adherence January 2009
8. Tessa Lewis. Using the NO TEARS tool for medication review. BMJ 2004 Vol 329, 433-434
9. NHS England. Transforming primary care in London: General Practice - A Call to Action. November 2013.
Appendices
Appendix 1
Medication Review Screening Tool
Do you understand what your medicines are for? Y/N
Do you understand when to take your medicines? Y/N
Do you find it easy to take your medicines? Y/N
Do you always remember to take your medicines? Y/N
Are you always able to order all your medications at the same time? Y/N
Are the medicines currently prescribed by your GP the only medication you take? Y/N
Do you return excess, unwanted or leftover medicines to the pharmacy? Y/N
Are you comfortable with your current medication? Y/N
Any “No” answer prioritises the patient for medication review
(from Morecambe Bay PCT – Medication Review for patients aged over 75 years)
Appendix 2
Drug Monitoring
Appendix 3
Further information to support review
The information in this appendix is designed to supplement that found in the BNF and the STOPP START Toolkit. Drug interactions, contraindications and dosage adjustments necessary for renal and hepatic impairment are covered in the BNF so not all repeated here.
The number needed to treat (NNT) is an estimate, based on clinical trial data of the number of patients who need to receive a drug (usually at a defined dose for a defined duration) for one patient to show the desired benefit e.g. prevent death. Unless stated NNTs are given here per annum. Number needed to harm (NNH) is similarly an estimate of how many patients need to be treated with the drug for just one to have an adverse effect. Usually minor side-effects are excluded.
Prescribers still need to use their clinical judgement when adjusting a patient’s medication – the NNTs and NNHs can only be a guide as they are limited by the original study limitations (e.g. frail elderly excluded from trials) and may not take into account the combination of therapy given to an individual patient.
There is no absolute formula for deciding how close NNT and NNH need to be to decide that the benefits no longer outweigh the risks. This will vary from patient to patient as their perceptions of what they are willing to put up with and what they want to achieve varies. (Many of the NNTs are taken from an NHS Highland document1 – please consult this for the original study references if no reference is given).
The ACB score (anticholinergic burden2) is included here because anticholinergic
(antimuscarinic) side effects are well documented from constipation to confusion. Many drugs have some degree of anticholinergic effect so combining them will increase the risk of a serious problem, particularly in the elderly, such as cognitive impairment or falls.
If the total drug score adds up to three or more this is considered to be clinically relevant. A study of patients over 65 found that 20% of participants who scored four or more had died by the end of the two year study period compared with 7% of patients with a score of zero. The risk of dying increased by 26% for every point scored.
The list is not exhaustive so it is reasonable to assume that drugs of the same class have the same score unless stated.
Considerations to optimise medicines use given in each section are adapted from The PrescQIPP Workstream Bulletin3 please consult that for the original references. It is assumed that the guidance given earlier in this guide on what the review should cover (e.g. valid indication for prescribing) will also be followed so is not re-iterated here.
Drugs stated as being in the PrescQIPP DROP List have been taken from The PrescQIPP Workstream Bulletin4 which lists twenty drugs that are poor value for money or have safer alternatives. The drugs are identified here as a prompt for review, the bulletin gives further details on the rationale for their inclusion in the list, suggested alternatives and scenarios where the drug may be appropriate, please also consult it for the original references.
BNF Chapter 1 – Gastro-intestinal System
ACB Score 1 ACB Score 2 ACB Score 3
Alverine Belladonna alkaloids Atropine
Cimetidine Prochlorperazine * Dicyclomine
Loperamide Hyoscine
Ranitidine Propantheline
*From NHS Scotland Polypharmacy Guidance Oct 2012
Considerations to optimise medicines use
H2 antagonists/PPIs: check if there has been no proven peptic ulcer, GI bleeding or dyspepsia for 1 year. Continued use may contribute to C difficile infection.
Laxatives: check if previous use of opioid analgesics has been reduced or stopped; if regular bowel movements are occurring without difficulty; if the patient is eating and drinking and has an adequate fluid intake.
If more than one laxative is used, reduce and stop one at a time – reducing the stimulant laxative first and increasing the dose of the osmotic laxative if necessary.
PrescQIPP DROP List
Esomeprazole – isomer of omeprazole.
BNF Chapter 2 – Cardiovascular System
ACB Score 1 ACB Score 2 ACB Score 3
Atenolol
Captopril
Chlorthalidone
Digoxin
Dipyridamole
Disopyramide
Furosemide
Hydralazine
Isosorbide
Metoprolol
Nifedipine
Quinidine
Timolol
Triamterene
Warfarin
Considerations to optimise medicines use
Antihypertensives: check if the BP is too low; if the risks outweigh the benefits stop one antihypertensive at a time – restart if BP increases above NICE target (140/90 for under 80 years, 150/90 for over 80 years).
In the over 80s with BP>140/90 but otherwise low cardiovascular risk NNT 80 and with high cardiovascular risk (diabetes, vascular disease) NNT 32 to avoid one cardiovascular event (two years to see effect); NNT 122 to avoid one cerebrovascular event. In the over 60s with otherwise low cardiovascular risk NNT 107 and with high cardiovascular risk NNT 40 to avoid one cardiovascular event (4.5 years to see effect); NNT 225 to avoid one cerebrovascular event.
In diabetes standard BP control (systolic < 140) NNT 57 to prevent one stroke, major diabetes event or death but tight control (systolic 120) v standard (systolic 134) NNT 500 to prevent one stroke (4 years for effect) and NNH 50.
ACEIs in elevated vascular risk NNT 280 and in impaired LV function NNT 30 to prevent one death (all cause mortality).
ACEI plus indapamide NNT 55 to prevent one stroke.
Nitrates: check if the patient has had no chest pain for six months or has reduced mobility.
Lipid lowering drugs: re-evaluate the patient risk profile; stop in metastatic disease. (It is impossible to give evidence based guidance on whether to continue or stop statins in the over 80s due to the paucity of trial data however in primary prevention they may increase all cause mortality)5
Post MI or angina NNT 80 to 170 with statins to prevent one major coronary event (no difference in mortality to 5 years). More specifically, post stroke with atorvastatin 80mg NNT 165 to prevent one cardiovascular event (no difference in mortality to 5 years).
Aspirin: if used in primary prevention re-evaluate need (massive NNT); query doses above 150mg for cardiovascular indication and its use in dizziness which is not clearly attributable to cerebrovascular disease. Post stroke/TIA NNT 100 to prevent one stroke, MI or vascular death. Stopping aspirin prescribed for secondary prevention has NNH 250.
Dipyridamole: clopidogrel is now preferred over dipyridamole in ischaemic stroke and peripheral artery disease. However post stroke/TIA the combination of dipyridamole plus aspirin has similar NNT to clopidogrel NNT 100 to prevent one vascular event.
Anticoagulants: if started following hip or knee surgery are they still required? Consider if long term warfarin use is still required e.g. if VTE provoked by surgery, other trigger factors or below knee.
Warfarin may be indicated e.g. in AF with another risk factor NNT with warfarin instead of aspirin 40 to prevent one stroke (no difference in mortality).
Relative risk of bleeding compared to warfarin alone: REF Highland
RR v warfarin Confidence interval
Warfarin 1
Aspirin 0.93 0.88 – 0.98
Clopidogrel 1.06 0.87 – 1.29
Aspirin + clopidogrel 1.66 1.34 – 2.04
Warfarin + aspirin 1.83 1.72 – 1.96
Warfarin + clopidogrel 3.08 2.32 – 3.91
Warfarin + aspirin +
clopidogrel 3.70 2.89 – 4.76
Peripheral vasodilators: clinical effectiveness not established (NICE do state you can give naftidrofuryl oxalate for leg pain).
Digoxin: long term digoxin at over 125 mcg per day in patients with impaired renal function can lead to an increased risk of toxicity.
Cardiovascular drug combinations:
In secondary prevention post MI in the over 80s the combination of ACEI plus beta-blocker plus aspirin plus a statin NNT 33 to prevent one death.
In impaired LV function treating with ACEI and beta-blocker NNT 14 to prevent one death (for mild to moderate impairment NNT is 15). In severe impairment the combination of ACEI plus beta-blocker plus spironolactone NNT 7 to prevent one death.
PrescQIPP DROP List
Doxazosin MR – no benefit over immediate release.
Omega-3 fish oils – NICE CG 172 advises clinicians not to offer or advise people to use omega-3 fatty acid capsules or supplemented foods to prevent another MI.
Perindopril arginine – no benefit over generic perindopril erbumine. Aliskiren – limited evidence of benefit.
BNF Chapter 3 – Respiratory System
ACB Score 1 ACB Score 2 ACB Score 3
Alimemazine Cetirizine* Brompheniramine
Theophylline Cyproheptadine Chlorphenamine
Loratadine* Clemastine
Diphenhydramine
Hydroxyzine
Promethazine
*From NHS Scotland Polypharmacy Guidance Oct 2012
Considerations to optimise medicines use
Theophylline: monotherapy in COPD is not appropriate
Oral corticosteroids: prednisolone maintenance in COPD is not usually recommended. (NB gradual withdrawal)
Inhaled corticosteroids: in asthma review every three months and if control achieved reduce dose slowly e.g. by 50% every three months.
PrescQIPP DROP List
Desloratadine – no advantage over loratadine.
BNF Chapter 4 – Central Nervous System
ACB Score 1 ACB Score 2 ACB Score 3
Alprazolam Amantadine Amitriptyline
Bupropion Carbamazepine Chlorpromazine
Codeine Methotromeprazine (Levomepromazine) Clomipramine
Dextropropoxyphene Oxcarbazepine Clozapine
Diazepam Pethidine Dimenhydrinate
Fentanyl Pimozide Doxepin
Fluvoxamine Prochlorperazine * Hyoscine
Haloperidol Imipramine
Morphine Nortriptyline
Risperidone Olanzapine
Trazodone Orphenadrine
Paroxetine
Perphenazine
Procyclidine
Promazine
Quetiapine
Trifluoperazine
Trihexyphenidyl
Trimipramine
*From NHS Scotland Polypharmacy Guidance Oct 2012
Considerations to optimise medicines use
Benzodiazepines: check if physical and psychological health and personal circumstances are stable and consider withdrawal which should be gradual.
Antipsychotics: in dementia patients with BPSD review and discontinue unless there is extreme risk or distress for the patient. Standardised symptom evaluations and drug cessation attempts should be undertaken at regular intervals. Withdrawal after long term therapy should be gradual and closely monitored.
Antidepressants: for a single episode of depression treat for six to nine months; for multiple episodes treat for at least two years; do not use dosulepin; consider ACB score and potential to worsen dementia, glaucoma, constipation and urinary retention; SSRIs can induce hyponatraemia; withdrawal should be gradual.
Drugs for dementia: review according to NICE guidance – they can be continued if having a worthwhile effect but usually the MMSE should be over 10 for AChEIs. Memantine may be used in severe dementia (MMSE<10).
Opioid analgesics: check if pain is still severe enough to warrant a regular opioid as the risk of falls/constipation can out weigh the benefits; consider other options e.g. regular paracetamol; review laxatives.
Opioid analgesics – further information
Treat stepwise according to the World Health Organisation pain ladder6 – although developed for cancer pain relief it can be applied to chronic pain.
Prescribe regular paracetamol (opioid sparing) Step 1 & 2:
The Oxford league table of analgesic efficacy7
Number Needed to Treat (NNT) for at least 50% pain relief over 4-6 hours in patients with moderate to severe pain.
Paracetamol 1g + Codeine 60mg NNT 2.2
Diclofenac 50mg NNT 2.3
Ibuprofen 400mg, 600mg NNT 2.4 Paracetamol 1g NNT 3.8
Tramadol 100mg NNT 4.8
Codeine 60mg NNT 16.7
Patients should be given the individual components where possible to allow titration of dose.
Codeine (plus paracetamol) is the step 2 opioid of choice, however 10% of Caucasians cannot metabolise codeine to active metabolites so if very little response, consider tramadol.
Step 2 opioids that you may want to switch away from include:
Co-proxamol – license withdrawn due to toxicity and relative inefficacy - on the PrescQIPP DROP List.
Co-dydramol, co-codamol 8/500 &15/500mg and Tramacet (non-formulary) – low strength opioids so little pain killing benefit but with the opioid side effects.
Morphine is the step 3 opioid of choice. Oxycodone and fentanyl have no advantage except where morphine is not tolerated or the oral route cannot be used.
Consider the need for laxatives: stimulant plus osmotic/stool softener.
Step 3 opioids that you may want to switch away from include:
Fentanyl buccal or intranasal – on the PrescQIPP DROP List. Oxycodone/naloxone tablets are not included in the North West London Integrated Formulary.
PrescQIPP DROP List
Escitalopram – isomer of citalopram.
Co-proxamol – more toxic in overdose than paracetamol.
Fentanyl immediate release – limited evidence compared to morphine.
Lidocaine patch – expensive product with limited evidence of benefit.
Tramadol with paracetamol – fixed low dose paracetamol (325mg) – no more effective than established analgesics and more expensive.
Oxycodone/naloxone (non-formulary) – uncertain clinical benefit and more costly than oxycodone plus a laxative.
BNF Chapter 5 – Infections
Considerations to optimise medicines use
Antibacterials: inappropriate uses include that a bacterial infection has resolved; a viral infection has been diagnosed; prophylactic treatment prescribed but no pathogen isolated; treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in older patients, diabetes patients or catheterised patients. Check if fluid intake is adequate.
PrescQIPP DROP List
Amorolfine nail laquer and tioconazole cutaneous solution – systemic treatments more effective if antifungal treatment indicated.
BNF Chapter 6 – Endocrine System
ACB Score 1 ACB Score 2 ACB Score 3
Hydrocortisone
Prednisolone
Considerations to optimise medicines use
Tight HbA1c control in type 2 diabetes can increase mortality – in one study HbA1c of around 7.5% had the lowest mortality, with risk of death rising significantly either side of this.8 NNT 200-333 to prevent one microvascular event (predominantly retinal). No difference in macrovascular risk.
Metformin in overweight diabetics NNT 50 to prevent one MI, diabetes related event or death.
Bisphosphonates: review if the treatment has been taken for five years or over; if the risk of falls is low they may be no longer needed but prolonged immobility is a risk factor for low BMD.
These NNTs are for treatment with alendronate plus calcium and vitamin D supplementation, used for secondary prevention of osteoporotic fractures – normally two years treatment is needed to see effect:
Age NNT vertebral # NNT Prevent Hip #
70-74 years 65 430
75-79 years 45 180
80-84 years 60 105
85-89 years 55 45
90+ 40 40
PrescQIPP DROP List
Ibandronic acid 150mg tablets (non-formulary)/injection (Red Drug) – no advantage over alendronate and more expensive.
Gliclazide modified release formulations – Glicazide MR 30mg is approximately therapeutically equivalent to gliclazide 80mg.
BNF Chapter 7 – Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Urinary Tract Disorders
ACB Score 1 ACB Score 2 ACB Score 3
Darifenacin
Flavoxate
Oxybutynin
Propantheline
Tolterodine
Considerations to optimise medicines use
Alpha blockers: not generally indicated if patient has a long term catheter.
Antimuscarinics: review effectiveness after 3-6 months; check if continence pads are used (making the antimuscarinic unnecessary); consider the potential side effects (postural hypotension, urinary retention, constipation, reduction in MMSE); check ACB score.
Tadalafil once a day – not cost effective compared to “on demand” in most patients.
PrescQIPP DROP List
None listed – although some work has been done locally on rationalising the prescribing of erectile dysfunction drugs.
BNF Chapter 8 – Malignant Disease and Immunosuppression
Considerations to optimise medicines use
Cytotoxics and immunosuppressants: consider the expected outcome – do possible adverse drug reactions out weigh the possible benefit; consider referring the patient back to the doctor who initiated treatment.
BNF Chapter 9 – Nutrition and Blood
Considerations to optimise medicines use
Sodium, potassium and iron supplements: check if indication still current.
Vitamins: check for valid indication
Calcium and vit D: check if the patient might have adequate levels through diet/sunlight exposure or if still otherwise indicated.
Sip feeds: check if there has been a recent dietician review; might the patient be able to have fortified food?
PrescQIPP DROP List
Calcium and ergocalciferol (or vitamin D without strengths stated) for prevention of osteoporotic fractures – insufficient dose.
There is local guidance available on the prescribing of vitamin D available at http://www.brentccg.nhs.uk/en/prescribing-team/guidelines-and-formularies
BNF Chapter 10 – Musculoskeletal and Joint Diseases
ACB Score 1 ACB Score 2 ACB Score 3
Colchicine Baclofen* Propantheline
*From NHS Scotland Polypharmacy Guidance Oct 2012
Considerations to optimise medicines use
NSAIDs: possible adverse drug reactions might outweigh the benefits in mild osteoarthritis (>3 months use), hypertension, heart failure, renal failure. Review the need for long term use of topical NSAIDs.
DMARDs/TNF inhibitors: refer to doctor who initiated treatment if no improvement.
PrescQIPP DROP List
Glucosamine/chrondroitin – not recommended by NICE for osteoarthritis.
BNF Chapter 11 – Eye
Considerations to optimise medicines use
Eye drops/ointments: check need for preservative free formulations; eye drops used more than four times a day; long term antibiotic preparations.
BNF Chapter 12 – Ear, Nose and Oropharynx
Considerations to optimise medicines use
Drops,sprays, solutions: have antibiotic/steroid/sympathomimetic preparations been continued without a review or stop date?
BNF Chapter 13 – Skin
Considerations to optimise medicines use
Creams, ointments: has the condition resolved or could continued use exacerbate the condition? Is the patient using sufficient emollient?
PrescQIPP DROP List
Minocycline for acne – increased risk of side effects compared to oxytetracycline, lymecycline or doxycycline.
Eflornithine cream for hirsutism – continuous use needed.
References for Appendix 3
1. Polypharmacy Action Group. NHS Highland; Polypharmacy:Guidance for prescribing in frail adults. Nov 11
2. Fox C. Anticholinergic Medication Use and cognitive Impairment in the Older Population: The Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2011; 59:8
3. UKMI. The PrescQIPP Workstream Bulletin 8 Sept 2011
4. UKMI. The PrescQIPP Workstream Bulletin 10 Feb 2012
5. REF Petersen L et al Age and Aging: 2010; 39: 674-680 Lipid-lowering treatment to the end? A review of observational studies and RCTs on cholesterol and mortality in 80+ year olds.
6. WHO pain ladder available at http://www.who.int/cancer/palliative/painladder/en/
7. The Oxford league table of analgesic efficacy:
http://www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/booth/painpag/Acutrev/Analgesics/Leagtab.html
8. Currie et al. Survival as a function of HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study. The Lancet, 2010 volume 375: 9713; 481-489.
Appendix 5
The NO TEARS Mnemonic to Aid Medication Review in a 10 Minute Consultation 10
N Need and Indication O Open Questions
T Tests and Monitoring
E Evidence and Guidelines A Adverse Events
R Risk reduction or prevention S Simplification and switches
Need and indication –
* Does the patient know why they take each drug?
* Is each drug still needed?
* Is the diagnosis refuted?
* Is the dose appropriate?
* Was long term therapy intended?
* Would non-pharmacological treatments be better?
Open questions –
* Allows patients to express views,
* Helps to reveal any problems they may have.
Test and Monitoring – • Assess disease control.
* Any conditions under-treated?
* Use appropriate reference for monitoring advice e.g. BNF
Evidence and Guidelines –
* Has the evidence base changed since initiating drug?
* Are any drugs now deemed ‘less suitable’?
* Is dose appropriate? (Over or under-treatment, extreme old age)
* Are other investigations now advised e.g. echocardiography?
Adverse Events –
* Any side effects?
* Any over the counter or complementary medicines?
* Check interaction, duplications or contra-indications.
* Don’t misinterpret an adverse reaction as a new medical condition.
Risk Reduction or Prevention – • Opportunistic screening.
* Risk reduction e.g. Falls – are drugs optimized to reduce the risks?
Simplification and Switches – • Can treatment be simplified?
* Does patient know which treatments are important?
* Explain any cost effective switches.
