News | Neurological conditions

News

Cannabis-based Sativex approved for NHS use in Scotland 

The Scottish Medicines Consortium's decision to approve Sativex brings it in line with the rest of the UK.…

Published: 13 September 2022

News

Safety requirements for use of valproate ‘still not being fully met’, finds NHS audit

Only 26.5% of patients taking sodium valproate who did not use highly effective contraception were referred to their GP by a pharmacist, the 2019/2020 Pharmacy Quality Scheme Valproate Audit found.…

Published: 12 August 2022

Feature

Silencing the genes that harm the brain

There have been variable results so far, but researchers are hopeful that new drugs can be developed to halt disease progression in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s.…

Published: 11 August 2022

Opinion

How we set up the UK’s first clopidogrel genomics testing system

Specialist clinical pharmacist Alex Matos explains how he has been implementing pharmacogenomics in daily use on the acute stroke ward.…

Published: 1 August 2022

News

Safety review launched into anti-epileptic medicine topiramate over fears of harm to unborn children

The review was prompted by study results that showed there was a two- to four-fold increased risk of developmental disorders or learning difficulties in children exposed to topiramate before birth.…

Published: 27 July 2022

News

Prescribing of cannabis-based medical products increased almost ten-fold in 2021

Despite the increase in the private healthcare sector, data on the number of cannabis-based medical products prescribed on the NHS were so low they could not be reported.…

Published: 6 July 2022

News

Some antiseizure duotherapies associated with similar risk of neurodevelopmental disorders as valproate, study finds

A study has found increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children whose mothers took antiseizure medication duotherapies during pregnancy.…

Published: 31 May 2022

Feature

Everything you need to know about sodium valproate and other antiepileptic drugs in pregnancy

Despite the associated dangers being widely publicised, data show that women are still being prescribed sodium valproate during pregnancy. Are the measures that have been put in place enough or does more need to be done?…

Published: 6 May 2022

News

Pharmacy regulator investigated eight complaints about sodium valproate dispensing

The complaints were raised by a charity that supports women who have taken sodium valproate while pregnant.…

Published: 20 April 2022

Feature

Spilling the beans on the health impacts of coffee

On average, 98 million cups of coffee are consumed each day in the UK. Is this popular drink harmful or do its benefits outweigh its risks?…

Published: 14 April 2022