Medicines guidance for healthcare professionals
The Welsh Medicines Advice Service produces medicines-related guidance for healthcare professionals across NHS Wales.
These pages are currently under development and we would welcome feedback on them.
Resources to support switching to rivaroxaban or apixaban for individuals with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and taking a different Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC)
Updated October 2024
There are currently four direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) available and licensed in the UK for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF): apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban. Rivaroxaban and apixaban are now available as generic preparations, making them the most cost-effective DOACs.
These resources are intended to support healthcare professionals who are considering switching individuals currently taking a DOAC for NVAF to rivaroxaban or apixaban.
Rivaroxaban
A switching tool has been produced for use alongside local switching policies. It is designed for use once the clinical decision has been made that it is appropriate to switch an individual to rivaroxaban.
Apixaban
A template procedure has been produced. Organisations may adopt this template as a basis for their local procedure; local cardiologists, stroke physicians and primary care practitioners should be consulted before adopting it. The authorising organisation accepts governance responsibility for the appropriate use of the procedure.
The switching tool that forms an appendix in the procedure is available separately.
Resources to support safe provision of antibiotic solid dosage forms to children
Updated May 2024
These resources are intended for use during the acute period of antibiotic liquid supply uncertainty.
Information for healthcare professionals on using solid dosage forms of antibiotics when liquid preparations are not available.
Information for parents and carers (Welsh) on using solid dosage forms of antibiotics for children.
Information for parents and carers on using solid dosage forms of antibiotics for children.
The Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) that have been put in place during supply issues with some of these antibiotics can be accessed via the NHS BSA website.
Resources to support the Clinical Community Pharmacy Service
These resources can now be found on the Patient Group Directions (PGDs) templates and guidance page. This includes national PGD templates and supporting clinical guidance for the following components of the Clinical Community Pharmacy Service:
- Seasonal influenza vaccination
- Emergency contraception
- Bridging and Quickstart oral contraception
06 Nov 24
Rivaroxaban switch resources added.
07 May 24
Updated safe provision of solid dose form to children guidance and PILs.
28 Feb 24
Removed biosimilar information as no longer relevant
11 Dec 23
Apixaban switch Welsh language PIL added and template procedure updated.
15 Nov 23
Apixaban switch supporting resources added.
16 Aug 23
CCPS PGD templates and supporting guidance moved to national PGD page.
01 Jun 23
HCP practical information (lenalidomide) partial update.
06 Feb 23
Serious shortage protocol information added.
09 Jan 23
STTT guidance and PGD updated
15 Dec 22
Safe provision of solid dosage forms to children PIL (Welsh) added.
09 Dec 22
Safe provision of solid dosage forms to children guidance added.
06 Dec 22
Lenalidomide PIL added (Welsh).
02 Dec 22
Layout amended. Bridging and QuickStart contraception service guidance added.
30 Nov 22
Lenalidomide support for healthcare professionals added. Desogestrel PGD updated. STTT PGD updated.
28 Nov 22
Lenalidomide PIL added.
23 Nov 22
Desogestrel PGD updated.
10 Nov 22
Community Pharmacy Sore Throat Test and Treat (STTT) support added.
17 Oct 22
Abiraterone and ranibizumab PILs added.
06 Oct 22
Abiraterone support documents added.
20 Sep 22
Emergency Contraception PGDs added.
30 Aug 22
Influenza Vaccine PGD updated.
22 Aug 22
Influenza Vaccine PGD added.
18 Jul 22
Published.
