PJ, June 2016, Vol 296, No 7890

The development and safety of proton pump inhibitors

Since the discovery of omeprazole in 1979, dispensing of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in England has increased more than 100-fold, and several products are now available without prescription. Although PPIs are effective and generally well tolerated, observational studies suggest an association with…

The rise of the pharmacy technician: the next steps

Pharmacy technicians are taking on more responsibilities to free pharmacists to carry out clinical services, but the role is being interpreted differently across pharmacy settings and there is no clear definition of what the role should entail.…

Do not blame RPS members for not voting in the board elections — give them something to vote for

The low number of members who voted in the RPS pharmacy board elections does not equate to apathy or despondency about pharmacy as a whole. …

Dementia care: an overview of available non-pharmacological therapies

A summary of non-pharmacological therapies for patients with dementia that may be used alongside licensed medicines.…

RPS publishes updated guidance for prescribers of pharmaceutical specials

The RPS has published updated professional guidance for the prescribers of pharmaceutical specials …

FDA issues warning over loperamide heart risks

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that high doses of the anti-diarrheal medication loperamide are associated with a risk of heart problems.…

UK pharmacist elected next president of Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union

A community pharmacist who owns a chain of high street pharmacies in the North West of England has been elected the next president of the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union.…

Monopoly generic pricing in secondary care

A story published in The Times on 3 June 2016 (Extortionate’ prices add £260m to NHS drug bill’), subsequently followed up by the BBC, has put the spotlight on monopoly generic drug pricing. Billy Kenber, who wrote the article, indicated that the data upon whic…

How full disclosure of clinical trial data will benefit the pharmaceutical industry

Disclosing clinical trial data is a step in the right direction towards transparency, which benefits both the public and the pharmaceutical industry.…

Tribute to Robin Seetulsingh

I was very shocked and upset to recently hear about my former colleague, Robin Seetulsingh, passing away so suddenly. I worked with Robin as a second locum for seven years at Metwest Pharmacy in Harlow, Essex, and I’m pleased to say he was a big part of what made my time there memorable. Although…