Important: Formulation and dosage details
Formulation:
Tablets 50mg (specialist use only)
Dosage:
For initiation by hospital specialist only.
For advice on monitoring azathioprine refer to DMARD monitoring guidance.
We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.
You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.
To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:
On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.
On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.
Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.
02/07/24 - Bimekizumab 160mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe and pre-filled pen as per SMC2410 added.
Advise patients prescribed drugs in this section to avoid excessive exposure to UV light.
Tablets 50mg (specialist use only)
For initiation by hospital specialist only.
For advice on monitoring azathioprine refer to DMARD monitoring guidance.
Capsules (Neoral®) 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 100mg (specialist use only)
For initiation by hospital specialist only.
For advice on monitoring ciclosporin refer to DMARD monitoring guidance.
Oral solution 500mg/5mL (specialist use only)
For initiation by hospital specialist only.
For advice on monitoring ciclosporin refer to DMARD monitoring guidance.
Solution for injection in pre-filled pen 100mg/mL (hospital use only)
As per SMC 1340/18: Treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy.
SMC restriction: for patients who have failed to respond to conventional systemic therapies (including ciclosporin, methotrexate and phototherapy), are intolerant to, or have a contraindication to these treatments.
MHRA advice: Methotrexate: advise patients to take precautions in the sun to avoid photosensitivity reactions (August 2023) (www.gov.uk).
Pay attention to the frequency of dosing for safety:
When methotrexate is prescribed for dermatological conditions it is usually used in conjunction with folic acid 5mg daily except on the day when methotrexate is taken.
Tablets 2·5mg (specialist use only)
For initiation by hospital specialist only.
For advice on monitoring methotrexate refer to DMARD monitoring guidance.
Solution for injection pre-filled pen and pre-filled syringe (Skyrizi®) 150mg/mL
As per SMC 2196: for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy.
SMC restriction: for patients who have failed to respond to conventional systemic therapies (including ciclosporin, methotrexate and phototherapy), are intolerant to, or have a contraindication to these treatments.
MHRA advice: Oral tacrolimus products: reminder to prescribe and dispense by brand name only (November 2017) (www.gov.uk).
Solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 160mg (Restricted: Hospital use only)
As per SMC2410: For the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy and who have failed to respond to standard systemic therapies (including ciclosporin, methotrexate and phototherapy), are intolerant to, or have a contraindication to these treatments.
This includes patients with:
Homecare is the preferred option - contact nhsh.homecare@nhs.scot
Solution for injection in pre-filled pen 160mg (Restricted: Hospital use only)
As per SMC2410: For the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy and who have failed to respond to standard systemic therapies (including ciclosporin, methotrexate and phototherapy), are intolerant to, or have a contraindication to these treatments.
This includes patients with:
Homecare is the preferred option - contact nhsh.homecare@nhs.scot