Jump To:

November 2026 | Issue 11

Welcome to the November edition of Therapeutics Today. This month’s issue will highlight information, including guidance and advice, recently published by various organisations. Readers are also reminded of previously published NMIC bulletins, which are available on our website www.nmic.ie.

We welcome any feedback or comments which can be provided using the feedback button below or by emailing the NMIC directly at nmic@stjames.ie.

Managing the risks of using liquid oral phenobarbital - last updated 30^th September 2026

Understanding acute CAR-T cell therapy toxicities in adults - published 2^nd October 2026

As readers are aware, the HSE antibiotic prescribing website is a very useful evidence-based antimicrobial information resource. Recent updates to antibiotic prescribing that can be found in the community guidelines section include:

•Dermatophyte nail infection V3.0

•Candida skin infection V3.0

•Pityriasis versicolor V3.0 

The HSE-MMP has recently completed an updated evaluation to identify preferred continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors with associated systems. Further information in relation to this initiative including the evaluation report and preferred CGM sensors poster can be found on the MMP’s website at the following link: www.hse.ie/mmp in the section entitled Glucose monitoring.

The HSE-MMP preferred proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is pantoprazole. The HSE-MMP has recently published a data snapshot, analysing trends in paid claims for PPIs on the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme. This analysis shows positive trends in the paid claim rate of the preferred PPI, pantoprazole. The data snapshot can be can be found on the MMP’s website at the following link: www.hse.ie/mmp in the section entitled Data Snapshots. 

The Autumn episode of IMPS Insights includes emerging evidence on statin use in pregnancy. Additional updates discussed include evidence surrounding maternal influenza vaccination and medication safety through the lens of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blocking drugs. 

Recordings and accompanying supplementary materials are available on the IMPS website https://rotunda.ie/imps/ . To stay informed about future episodes, updates from IMPS and new resources, join the IMPS mailing list: https://forms.office.com/e/KYdTixqyqW

These bite-sized messages, which may also include short videos, are published every week and are available via X @medsafetymin. A recent Medication Safety Minute is linked directly below: 

Direct Healthcare Professional Communication (DHPC)

The HPRA has recently published the following important safety information update:

Rifampicin and Rifampicin combination – Potential genotoxicity and associated contraceptive requirements – published 23^rd October 2026

The product information for the Rifampicin product range has been updated regarding potential genotoxicity, based on non-clinical data. 

Recently published articles that may be of interest can be found below: