PJ, October 2023, Vol 311, No 7978

Communication techniques for prescribing

Effective communication is central to the prescribing process and is a skill that can be continuously improved. This article introduces a selection of models and approaches that can help prescribers structure their consultations in an effective and patient-centred way.…

UK regulator seizes 369 potentially fake weight loss pens following reports of hospitalisations

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said the public should consult a healthcare professional qualified to provide semaglutide and liraglutide via prescription.…

HRT prescribing increased by almost half in one year, NHS figures show

Data show that 10.9 million hormone replacement therapy items were prescribed in England in 2022/2023, up from 7.4 million items in 2021/2022.…

European regulator launches ‘solidarity mechanism’ to tackle critical medicines shortages

The voluntary mechanism will allow EU member states to support each other in the event of a critical medicines shortage.…

The phantom pharmacy sector

This month, The Pharmaceutical Journal’s health policy columnist considers the impact of recent changes to the pharmacy market.…

David Whitehead Carrington (1933–2023)

On 20 October 2023, David Whitehead Carrington, aged 90 years, of Norfolk. Mr Carrington registered with the Society in 1954 and was made a Fellow in 1976. Mr Carrington's funeral and celebration of his life will take place on 10 November 2023, at Stoke-Holy-Cross Parish Church from 12:00. …

UK regulator to consider EMA recommendation to avoid topiramate in pregnancy

Exclusive: The UK medicines regulator said it would carefully consider recommendations made by the European Medicines Agency, which were published following a review of data showing an increased risk of developmental disorders among children exposed to topiramate before birth.…

How to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

An overview of multidisciplinary team working, outlining potential barriers and the skills required to work effectively within them.…

PJ view: What are your ambitions for the future of pharmacy practice?

The Pharmaceutical Journal wants to hear about your local ‘vision’ for the future of pharmacy and examples of forward-thinking services that could be replicated elsewhere.…

Vitamin C ineffective in treating COVID-19 but simvastatin may provide benefit, trial data show

Researchers report that critically ill patients receiving IV vitamin C had a lower hospital discharge rate than those in the placebo group.…