PJ, April 2024, Vol 312, No 7984

Case-based learning: chronic breathlessness in adults

The causes and management of breathlessness in adults, with a focus on chronic breathlessness.…

NICE recommends phased roll out of genetic testing for clopidogrel prescribing

In draft guidance, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said that testing could be rolled out to patients at higher risk of stroke recurrence first, while capacity is established.…

A prescribing service for England’s pharmacies: everything you need to know

After months of discussions, an NHS prescribing service for community pharmacies in England may finally be in sight for a select few ‘pathfinders’. Here is what we know so far about the long-awaited programme.…

NHS England says PCNs should work with community pharmacy ‘in the best interests of patient care’

In the primary care networks contract specification for 2024/2025, NHS England said they must work with other community service providers to “successfully manage the health and care needs of the populations they serve”.…

Phosphodiesterase 5 receptor (PDE5) inhibitors similarities and differences: a non-prescription medicine perspective

Introduction Phosphodiesterase 5 receptor (PDE5) inhibitors have had a significant impact on the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), with the introduction of drugs like sildenafil citrate (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®), and vardenafil (Levitra®). In 1998, Pfizer launched the first PDE…

Roz Gittins: ‘The longer fitness-to-practise processes take, the longer registrants are left in purgatory’

As the new chief pharmacy officer for the General Pharmaceutical Council, Roz Gittins tells The Pharmaceutical Journal that she is bringing a fresh pair of eyes to the regulator’s fitness-to-practise process.…

Acute complications of diabetes in adults: diagnosis and management

How to recognise and manage hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia and hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state, as well as providing information on prevention and managing sick days.…

‘Providing more leeway to pharmacists’ an obvious solution to medicines shortages, says pharmacy minister

In an exclusive interview withThe Pharmaceutical Journal, Andrea Leadsom acknowledged that medicines shortages were causing “friction in the system”.…

Standardised approach to developing designated prescribing practitioners needed, says Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists

In a position statement, the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists said that a clear set of competencies for designated prescribing practitioners was required, and called for formal guidance on the expected time commitment for the role.…