Use of oral/buccal medication for symptom control

This guidance helps people who are caring for a person for whom recovery is uncertain, or who may be in the last days of life. It aims for the best care possible when access to, or ability to, administer subcutaneous injections is unavailable. It is designed to be used alongside the Somerset symptom assessment chart, which can guide and support when to give medicines to alleviate or stop distressing symptoms.


Individual symptoms have simple, practical tips and medication guidance. Recording symptoms on the Symptom Observation Chart will help guide what to do.

Click to view the following:

Medicine reuse in care homes
Change to symptom control medication at the end of life

Support and advice are available 24-hours a day from the St Margaret’s adviceline 01823 333822. If you have followed this guidance and a symptom persists, please phone for advice.

Click here to read the CCG JIC Policy 


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