medication Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

Many children with primary immunodeficiency require regular replacement therapy with immunoglobulin (IgG). Immunoglobulin is produced from plasma (blood donations). Immunoglobulin will give your child protection with antibodies against common infections in the UK. This treatment can be given...

This resource is for parents or carers of children with a diagnosed venom allergy and who are considering undergoing venom immunotherapy. What is venom immunotherapy? Most allergies are due to an over reaction of the immune system to foreign material, such as bee or wasp venom, pollens, or animal...

What is narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is a long-term condition which causes excessive sleepiness during the day and may disrupt your sleep at night. You can also have sleep attacks where you fall asleep at inappropriate times during the day without any warning. What is modafinil? Modafinil is a type of...

What is an intramuscular injection? ‘Intramuscular’ is another way to say ‘into the muscle’. An intramuscular injection is a dose of medicine given into a muscle of an arm, leg or bottom. The medicine is put inside a syringe, which has a needle attached to it. The needle...

What is continuous glucose monitoring? This is a system where the amount of sugar in somebody’s blood is measured automatically. The monitor checks blood sugar every few minutes and stores the data. This means that the person using it can carry on doing what they would usually do during the...

What is a skin biopsy? A skin biopsy is a short procedure used to take a small piece of skin. This is then sent to the laboratory. Here, they can look at it under a microscope, or grow more cells from it. Why does my child need a skin biopsy? We take a skin biopsy… Continue Reading Skin...

What is an SSRI? Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) relates to how this group of medicines works in the brain. It is a group of medicines which are similar in some ways. It includes the most well known medicine of the group called fluoxetine (also known as Prozac). What are SSRIs used for...

What is risperidone? Risperidone is a modern antipsychotic medication which is licensed for the treatment of schizophrenia and for the treatment of mania in bipolar disorder in adults. What is risperidone used for in child psychiatry? Risperidone is not licensed for use below the age of 18 years....

What is sertraline? Sertraline belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In adults it is licensed for use in depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. What is sertraline used for in child psychiatry? Obsessive...

What is atomoxetine? Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication and is not related to amphetamine like other medications commonly used in attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It increases attention and decreases impulsivity and hyperactivity. What is atomoxetine used for in child...

Introduction Your healthcare team feel that you are ready to go home. This advice has been designed to give you all the information you need to take home with you. Please ask the staff if you have any questions. Personal identification information Your health speciality for ongoing outpatient care...

Why does my child need this medicine? Infliximab is a medicine used to help keep symptoms of your child’s inflammatory bowel disease under control. Your child will have tried other medicines which have not worked and the doctor feels that this medicine may help. What is infliximab? Infliximab is a...

Why have I been started on methotrexate? Methotrexate is used in patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis to induce and maintain remission. The doctor prescribing methotrexate feels that either your child has not tolerated other medications well or they have not worked. How does...

The aim of this advice is to give you basic information about what to expect after your child has had an intrathecal baclofen pump implanted. How long will my child be in hospital following insertion of the intrathecal baclofen pump? If there are no complications your child will be in hospital 2 to...

This information will explain what will happen when your child come’s into hospital for an intrathecal baclofen test dose. What will happen when we first arrive at the hospital? You will need to bring your child to the ward either the day before or early in the morning on the day of the test...

Why has my child been started on azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine? Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine are medicines designed to help induce and maintain remission of your child’s inflammatory bowel disease or auto-immune hepatitis. Your child has been started on this medicine because they need...

The aim of this advice is to give you basic information about intrathecal baclofen therapy. Intrathecal baclofen therapy is used as a way of controlling spasticity and spasms. Before using intrathecal baclofen the doctor will consider such things as: the effectiveness of your child’s current...