Adverse drug reaction, side effects and toxicity

NICE guidelines on antidepressant withdrawal in ‘urgent need of correction’, say researchers

More than half of antidepressant users experience withdrawal, with the majority of these describing their withdrawal as ‘moderate’ or ‘severe’, according to results of a systematic literature review of 23 studies.…

Alternative to steroids could ‘transform’ the lives of people with severe asthma, charity says

Monoclonal antibodies could significantly improve quality of life for individuals with severe asthma and reduce the need for oral corticosteroids and their side effects, a leading asthma charity has said.…

Statins: the highs and the lows

Negative press seems to follow statins, the most prescribed drugs in England, despite them revolutionising cardiovascular disease prevention.…

Transdermal buprenorphine poorly tolerated in people with dementia

A study of transdermal analgesics in people living with dementia has shown that more than half discontinue buprenorphine owing to adverse events.…

Metronidazole: high dose and long duration risks peripheral neuropathy

Metronidazole — a member of the nitroimidazole class of antibiotics — provides potent bactericidal action against anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections. It is commonly used across all healthcare settings for common infections and plays an important role in treating both suspected …

A quick guide to medical cannabis

With medical cannabis now legal in 44 countries around the world, and the UK likely to follow suit, here is what pharmacists need to know.…

Depression as a side effect of certain drugs needs attention, say researchers

Researchers from the United States have noted the large proportion of medicines with depression listed as a potential side effect.…

Valproate triggers changes in placenta, researchers find

In a study looking at placentas from caesarean deliveries, valproic acid had a significant impact on mRNA levels of major carriers for essential compounds such as folic acid, glucose, choline, thyroid hormones and serotonin.…

Certain antipsychotics linked with increased risk of gestational diabetes

Women who continue taking olanzapine or quetiapine during pregnancy are more likely to develop gestational diabetes than those who discontinue atypical antipsychotic medication.…

Proton pump inhibitors linked to pneumonia risk beyond first year of use

Research into long-term proton pump inhibitor use among older adults has led to cautions over pneumonia risk.…