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.
During either carbimazole or propylthiouracil treatment, advise patients to report signs and symptoms of infection, especially sore throat, which may indicate bone marrow suppression, and to discontinue medication pending further investigation. The drug should only be recommenced once neutropenia has been excluded following a blood count. Routine monitoring of white blood cell count is unnecessary. If sensitivity (eg rash) occurs with carbimazole then propylthiouracil is an alternative. Propylthiouracil is the drug of choice in pregnant women. For information on the treatment of thyrotoxic crisis, refer to BNF.
MHRA alert: Carbimazole: risk of acute pancreatitis (February 2019) (www.gov.uk).
MHRA alert: Carbimazole: increased risk of congenital malformations; strengthened advice on contraception (February 2019 (www.gov.uk).
Risk minimisation materials
Tablets 5mg, 20mg (specialist use only)
Initially 20 to 40mg once daily. Repeat TFTs after 4 to 6 weeks and adjust the dose following specialist advice.
Tablets 50mg (s)
Initially 200mg daily in divided doses. Repeat TFTs after 4 to 6 weeks and adjust the dose following specialist advice.
MHRA advice: Drug-name confusion: reminder to be vigilant for potential errors (January 2018) (www.gov.uk).
Modified release capsules 80mg, 160mg
By mouth, for the relief of thyrotoxic symptoms modified release capsules 80 to 160mg daily.
Solution total iodine (Lugol’s Solution) 130mg/mL (s) unlicensed
TAM (Treatments and Medicines) NHS Highland