Prioritising patient safety: A recent prescribing story

We always make sure that every medicine we prescribe is safe and right for the person taking it.

Recently, we welcomed a new patient who was taking tramadol (for pain) at the same time as warfarin (a blood thinner). This combination can be dangerous, as tramadol can increase the risk of bleeding in people taking warfarin.

Sadly, the Medicines Regulator (MHRA) has even reported cases where this interaction has led to serious harm.
After talking through the risks together, the patient decided it was best to stop tramadol. We agreed on a slow, supported plan to come off it safely.

We’re pleased to share that, thanks to this careful review, no patients at The Grange who are on warfarin are now prescribed tramadol. To keep our patients safe, we’ll continue running regular checks every 12 weeks.
This is just one of our many monthly medicine review processes.

Our team also looks at things like:

• Checking patients on strong painkillers to make sure doses are safe
• Reviewing antibiotic use in line with national guidance
• Reducing unnecessary medicines where possible

“It’s all part of our commitment to safe prescribing, shared decision-making, and putting patients at the centre of their care.”