It is essential to anticipate symptoms in advance and prescribe wisely to keep people safely at home in their final days.
In the community, a small number of ampoules should be kept in the patient’s home or care home.
In general, 4 anticipatory medications will be prescribed to manage the symptoms: pain, breathlessness, nausea/vomiting, agitation and secretions.
Recommended Prescribing of Anticipatory Medication on FP10
Prescribing dose and choice of medication should bear in mind:
- Contraindications e.g. Parkinson’s disease
- Background opioid dose
- Organ failure – renal/liver
- Allergies/intolerances