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Please find up to date guidelines on asthma management from the British Thoracic society.

https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/document-library/clinical-information/asthma/btssign-asthma-guideline-
quick-reference-guide-2016/

9) Cholesterol
It is recommended that cholesterol levels should be less than 5mmol/L. In the Ireland, half of all adults have a
total cholesterol level of 5mmol/L or above. High cholesterol is a risk factor for Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and
stroke.

Reducing cholesterol level in those identified to be at risk of CVD reduces the risk of CVD and stroke. Statins are
the main class of medication used to help with this risk reduction.
Patients should have their risk assessed using QRISK score. This should be done with their General practitioner
or other healthcare professional. If the risk is identified > 10% the use of a statin is recommended to help to
reduce the risk of CVD and stroke.
Patients commenced on a statin medication can avail of a repeat prescription through MyClinic.ie. A statin
should not be commenced by a doctor working for MyClinic.ie.

The patient should have had an up to date blood test and the total cholesterol level < 4.2mmol/l. They should
be stable on the medication (ie. Taking this for > six months without side effect). They should have had
appropriate follow up blood tests with their GP.
The prescribing doctor should review the information provided. The doctor should ensure there is no
contraindication to using this medication. The doctor should ensure the patient has had the appropriate
monitoring for side effects while on this medication (ie. Appropriate blood tests). The doctor should ensure the
patient’s cholesterol level is within the target range.
The statin requested by the patient should be prescribed in generic form unless specifically requested. The
prescription should be for six months. If the doctor feels the patient needs blood tests to check cholesterol levels
then they can direct the patient to their own GP or direct the patient to home blood testing through MyClinic.ie.

National Medicines information centre guidelines on cholesterol management:

http://www.stjames.ie/GPsHealthcareProfessionals/Newsletters/NMICBulletins/NMICBulletins2014/NMIC%20
Use%20of%20Lipid%20Lowering%20Agents%20August%202014.pdf

10) Recurrent Cystitis- uncomplicated UTI
There are two types of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):

• Lower UTI is an infection of the lower part of the urinary tract, which includes the bladder and the
urethra. An infection of the bladder is called cystitis, and an infection of the urethra is known as
urethritis.

• Upper UTI is an infection of the upper part of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys and the
ureters. Upper UTIs are potentially more serious than lower UTIs because there is a risk of kidney
damage.

It is important to differentiate between these types of UTI as Upper UTI requires a longer course of treatment
and an individual is more likely to suffer complications of the infection.

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