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.
09/12/21 - Dexamethasone soluble tablets 2mg, 4mg, 8mg removed
Prednisolone has predominantly glucocorticoid activity (anti-inflammatory) and is the most commonly used corticosteroid for long-term administration (see also Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for use in asthma/COPD and Drugs used in rheumatic diseases and gout for use in rheumatic diseases). There is no evidence that the use of enteric-coated tablets prevents peptic ulceration. Dexamethasone is mainly used where mineralocorticoid activity is undesirable (eg in cerebral oedema) and for the prevention or treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy or opiates (see Drugs used in nausea and vertigo). Hydrocortisone is used for replacement therapy in adrenal insufficiency.
Please consider if a steroid emergency card needs to be given to the patient alongside the traditional steroid treatment card. This is to support the timely recognition and treatment of potential adrenal crisis and is suitable for some patients on oral, inhaled, topical or rectal steroids. For more information, including which patients should receive the card, see HIS for details. Steroid emergency cards have been distributed to, hospitals, GP surgeries and community pharmacies. Primary care can order replacement cards from 01463 706886.
| Note: Issue steroid cards with long-term therapy. |
See Peri-operative guidelines for patients with or at risk of adrenal insufficiency
Soluble tablets 500 micrograms
For use of betamethasone soluble tablets in oral ulceration or inflammation refer to Drugs acting on the orpharynx off-label.
Injection 4mg/mL
Tablets 500 micrograms, 2mg, 4mg
The tablets can be swallowed whole or dispersed in a little water prior to use off-label.
Oral solution (as sodium phosphate) 2mg/5mL
Injection (as sodium phosphate) 3·3mg/mL, 6·6mg/2mL
For use of hydrocortisone oromucosal tablets in oral ulceration or inflammation, refer to Drugs acting on the oropharynx.
Tablets 10mg, 20mg
By mouth, replacement therapy, 15 to 25mg daily in 2 to 3 divided doses. Take the first dose on waking in the morning and the last dose early in the evening.
Injection (as sodium succinate) 100mg
For routine intravenous use, hydrocortisone sodium succinate injection is preferred as hydrocortisone sodium phosphate injection can cause paraesthesia and pain following intravenous injection.
Injection (as sodium phosphate) 100mg/mL, 500mg/5mL
For routine intravenous use, hydrocortisone sodium succinate injection is preferred as hydrocortisone sodium phosphate injection can cause paraesthesia and pain following intravenous injection.
MHRA advice: Methylprednisolone injectable medicine containing lactose (Solu-Medrone 40mg): do not use in patients with cows' milk allergy (October 2017) (www.gov.uk).
Tablets 100mg
Injection (as sodium succinate) 40mg, 1 gram
MHRA advice: Drug-name confusion: reminder to be vigilant for potential errors (January 2018) (www.gov.uk).
Tablets 1mg, 5mg, 25mg
Where possible, avoid use of the high-cost prednisolone tablets 25mg.
Soluble tablets 5mg
Liquid 10mg/mL
TAM (Treatments and Medicines) NHS Highland