Innovative weight management clinic launched in Ireland

Update on Falsified Medicines Directive

The next two phases of the end of use and learn plan for FMD that were scheduled to take effect on 10 January have been deferred until further notice, i.e., phase 3 (wholesalers to investigate alerts on returned packs) and phase 4 (red/amber/green colours switched on in FMD software for pharmacies and hospitals).

This decision has been made by the Safety Features Oversight Group due to the unprecedented situation that has arisen with Covid and the pressures this poses for pharmacies, hospitals and wholesalers, given the rapidly expanding Covid booster programme and staffing levels being impacted due to Covid.

What this means:The next two phases of the end of use and learn plan for FMD that were scheduled to take effect on 10 January have been deferred until further notice, i.e., phase 3 (wholesalers to investigate alerts on returned packs) and phase 4 (red/amber/green colours switched on in FMD software for pharmacies and hospitals). This decision has been made by the Safety Features Oversight Group due to the unprecedented situation that has arisen with Covid and the pressures this poses for pharmacies, hospitals and wholesalers, given the rapidly expanding Covid booster programme and staffing levels being impacted due to Covid.

Phase 4 Red/amber/green changes for pharmacies and hospitals

Original Plan: Pharmacy and hospital FMD software to display colour coded responses, depending on the outcome when the pack is scanned Updated Advice: This phase is now deferred until further notice. This means that for most FMD software, you will continue to see green responses for all scans, regardless of whether there is an alert.

Pharmacies and hospitals do not need to take any action. IMVO will inform the FMD software providers directly.

The advice to pharmacies and hospitals on what to do if you see alerts remains unchanged:

You may continue to supply packs that generate alerts to patients in accordance with your existing procedures, unless you have overriding concerns that a falsified medicine is involved. However, if you have reason to believe that packaging has been interfered with, based on your examination of the anti-tampering device on the pack, you must report your concern to the HPRA (as a suspected quality defect via the usual reporting

In the meantime, if you require support with any aspect of FMD, please visit the IMVO website www.imvo.ie or contact IMVO at info@imvo.ie.

SKYRIZI Amendment

In the January 2022 issue of Hospital Professional News, a Skyrizi (Risankizumab) advertisement was published which did not contain the latest abbreviated prescribing information as supplied by AbbVie. This was rectified in our digital magazine issue with the correct information. We regret this error. The correct version is published in this (February) version on pages 24-25.

Innovating Weight Management in Ireland

Research conducted by Eurostat last year showed that Ireland has the second highest rate of obesity in Europe with approximately 29% of the adult population living with overweight and a further 26% living with obesity. This data further underlines the need for a new and fresh approach to weight management services in the country. A first of its kind in Ireland, My Best Weight is a dedicated medical weight management clinic which has opened in Dublin. This team of internationally accredited doctors and experts provide an innovative approach using the most up to date scientific research. Employing a collaborative approach with the person being treated, they explore the underlying reasons for issues with weight and assess the impact that this may have on health. An individualised, long term treatment plan may include medication therapy, behavioural supports, medical nutrition and exercise The My Best Weight Team -Dr Andy Grannell. PhD, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Dr Michael Crotty, GP Specialist in Bariatric Medicine and Clinical Lead and Prof Carel Le Roux, expert in bariatric and metabolic medicine

therapy. My Best Weight has been recognised by the European Association for the Study of Obesity as a leading obesity management centre in Europe and becomes the first non-hospital based accredited centre in Ireland. Led by Dr Michael Crotty, a GP specialist in bariatric medicine and clinical lead, My Best Weight is a non-judgemental, patient-centred service that provides a caring and supportive environment for people to discuss weight without blame or shame. Knowledge of the biology regulating weight has advanced significantly and it is clear that weight is not simply an issue of willpower or lifestyle. My Best Weight does not take this over simplistic and stigmatising view but recognises the many factors associated with weight. Obesity is a condition where excess or nontypical fat tissue impairs health. It is not just a risk factor for disease but a medical issue in its own right. Speaking at the launch of My Best Weight, Dr Michael Crotty said, “Our best weight is the weight we will be when living the healthiest life we can enjoy and sustain long term. Excess weight is not due to lifestyle issues or a lack of willpower. It is a complex medical issue influenced by genetics, our nervous system and hormones as well as the environment we live in. Our weight is regulated by subconscious parts of the brain that we cannot control - telling someone to simply eat less and move more does not work in the long term, most people have tried this over and over again. We now have very effective options including medications to manage weight safely. We do not blame and shame people for having other medical conditions. People living with overweight and obesity deserve the highest quality of care - that’s why our approach is different.” Anyone interested in finding out more about the new clinic can visit www.mybestweight.ie or contact the clinic directly to make an appointment.