News | Paediatrics and neonatal

Opinion

Reducing overprescribing and improving the health of patients with learning disabilities and autism

Rizwana Dudhia shares how a project she initiated to prevent the prescribing of inappropriate medication improved the quality of life for patients with learning disabilities and autism.…

Published: 24 July 2023

Opinion

Women with epilepsy need choice, not diktats, when it comes to sodium valproate

The NHS needs to fully audit its approach to valproate and should be supporting women to make informed choices regarding their treatment.…

Published: 28 June 2023

News

Hospital staff exposed to levels of nitrous oxide that exceed legal limits in a fifth of trusts

Exclusive: Eight hospital trusts have suspended the use of Entonox, while one trust found staff were exposed to 12 times the workplace exposure limit.…

Published: 11 May 2023

News

Two prescribers must agree that acne is ‘severe enough’ before under-18s are prescribed isotretinoin, review concludes

The Commission on Human Medicines' recommendations will be taken forward by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to support the acne drug's safe use.…

Published: 26 April 2023

News

Prenatal exposure to levetiracetam linked with increased risk of psychiatric disorders, study suggests

Research has shown that prenatal exposure to levetiracetam is linked with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety.…

Published: 19 April 2023

News

Weight-loss drug semaglutide recommended for use in teenagers in Europe

Wegovy has been recommended for use in adolescents aged 12 years and over with obesity and a body weight above 60kg.…

Published: 13 April 2023

News

Third of women taking anti-seizure medication unaware of pregnancy risks, survey reveals

Data from a survey by three epilepsy charities has shown that a third of women taking carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, pregabalin or topiramate are unaware of the increased risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy.…

Published: 24 March 2023

News

Whole-pack dispensing of sodium valproate made mandatory following consultation 

The legislation will help address concerns around women taking sodium valproate, who may be unaware of the risks posed to their unborn child if they fall pregnant.…

Published: 20 March 2023

News

Newborn babies to be genetically tested to prevent gentamicin-associated deafness

Around 1,200 babies born in England and Wales each year are at risk of hearing loss from gentamicin.…

Published: 15 February 2023

News

Government advisers warn of ‘negative impact’ of two-clinician sign-off on valproate patients

Exclusive: Meeting minutes of the Valproate Safety Implementation Group say the new measure could have a “negative impact” on patients, and that “their perspective should be taken into account”.…

Published: 13 February 2023