David Lipanovic

Senior Clinical Reporter

Government advises NHS service providers to hold PPE stocks in response to mpox risk

The NHS Health Security Agency has advised pharmacies to ensure they have adequate stocks of PPE for the assessment and treatment of anyone who may present with suspected clade I mpox virus.…

Largest ever trial of ketamine to treat alcohol abuse to launch across eight NHS sites

The phase III clinical trial will explore the use of low-dose ketamine combined with psychological support as a therapy for people with alcohol use disorder.…

MHRA approves capivasertib for treatment of advanced breast cancer

Capivasertib is an oral pill given with fulvestrant, a hormonal therapy, as an alternative treatment to endocrine-based regimens.…

Less is more: the struggle to prioritise structured medication reviews

With primary care networks no longer incentivised to carry out structured medication reviews, work is under way to make sure they remain a priority as pharmacists aim to minimise inappropriate polypharmacy.…

Draft NICE guidance recommends ‘at-home’ pill for advance prostate cancer

The National institute of Health and Care Excellence says up to 40,000 people in England could benefit from relugolix (Orgovyx; Accord).…

Coroner calls for government to take action on supply of medicines online

Isabelle Thistlewaite's report investigated the death of Nigel Dixon following an overdose from two controlled drugs — morphine and zopiclone — the latter of which was purchased online.…

Haemophilia treatment first to be recommended by NICE as part of new drug pricing agreement

Etranacogene dezaparovovec (Hemgenix; CSL Behring) is also the first medicinal product to enter the Innovative Medicines Fund.…

Joint guidance for asthma recommends replacing SABA with corticosteroid inhalers

The draft guidance proposes the use of combined inhaled corticosteroid/formoterol inhalers over previously preferred short-acting beta agonists.…

MHRA introduces new safety measures for use of topiramate in pregnancy

Under the new measures, women of childbearing potential must use highly effective contraception, have a negative pregnancy test and be made aware of the risks of the medicine before beginning treatment with the anti-seizure medicine.…

Half of UK adults affected by drug shortages since 2022, finds survey

Respondents to a survey by the British Generic Manufacturers Association reported going without their medication or travelling to other pharmacies to try and source their medicine as a result of shortages.…