PJ, August 2021, Vol 307, No 7952

Unicorn horns to treat the plague, c. 1745–1807

Narwhal tusks were believed to be unicorn horns and were thought to have incredible healing properties.…

Supplements versus medicines: untold interactions and the dangers they can pose

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the sale of herbal supplements, but many people are unaware of the potential interactions between supplements and licensed medicines that can lead to a variety of adverse effects.…

Pharmacists could supply and administer naloxone as part of new drugs strategy, says government

The proposals come as deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales rose by almost 4% in 2020, at 4,561 compared to 4,393 in 2019.…

Pharmacist advice on inappropriate direct oral anticoagulant prescribing accepted in four out of five cases

Data from a study of hospitalised patients in Belgium show hospital physicians accepted advice on dose adjustment for direct oral anticoagulants in almost 80% of cases.…

TerraCycle should be supported and its recycling scheme reinstated

The views expressed in this letter are those of the author’s. If you would like to submit a letter to The Pharmaceutical Journal, please click here. Some composite items may be difficult to recycle, and that includes medication blister packs. TerraCycle is a recycling company that has dev…

How to evaluate the clinical appropriateness of an antimicrobial

Clinically reviewing the choice of antimicrobial for individual patients is an effective way for pharmacists to contribute to the fight against antimicrobial resistance.…

Pharmacies will be able to use non-pharmacist staff to vaccinate during flu season

NHS England and NHS Improvement could also use a national protocol to extend delivery of the flu vaccine.…

My career path shows that clinical roles are not the only worthy destination for pharmacists

Having started her role as a university lecturer in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacist Puja Nathwani has found her experience challenging but immensely rewarding.…

First ever foundation pharmacy training year begins

The pharmacist foundation year replaces the former preregistration year, but few changes are expected in its first year.…

NICE approves first treatment through fast-tracked appraisal pilot

Bimekizumab, which is used for the treatment of severe plaque psoriasis, is the first treatment to be approved by a National Institute for Health and Care Excellence sub-committee in a trial fast-track appraisal process.…