Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Lack of evidence to support statin use in non-cardiovascular conditions

There is a lack of ‘convincing’ evidence that statins improve outcomes in non-cardiovascular conditions, such as diabetes, a review has shown.…

Role of dual and triple fixed-dose combination inhalers in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A review of the current evidence, including the safety and efficacy of dual and triple-combination inhalers for the treatment of stable COPD, and their place in therapy.…

NICE tells health professionals to consider AMR when prescribing antibiotics for COPD

Healthcare professionals should consider antimicrobial resistance when prescribing antibiotics for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to new draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.…

SSRIs and SNRIs associated with increased morbidity and mortality in older adults with COPD, study results show

New use of serotonergic antidepressants is associated with small but significant increases in rates of respiratory-related morbidity and mortality among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, a retrospective study has shown.…

Pharmacy programmes are a cost-effective way to help patients manage COPD

Pharmacy-led adherence programmes are “highly cost effective” in improving self-management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new report commissioned by the British Lung Foundation and the British Thoracic Society.…

Older smokers more likely to become frail than non-smokers

Study shows that current smokers, aged 60 years or older, had a 60% greater odds of becoming frail during follow-up compared with non-smokers.…

Steroid inhalers linked to increased risk of mycobacterial infection

Use of steroid inhalers for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increases the risk of mycobacterial infections, according to a study published in the European Respiratory Journal.…

Use pharmacy to help manage NHS winter pressures, PSNC urges

Community pharmacy is well positioned to help keep hospital admission and readmission rates down and ease the burden on acute care services.…

Drug for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease approved by NICE

Roflumilast (Daxas) has been approved by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence for the treatment of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.…

Experts draw up new guidelines for treating COPD attacks

Give oral rather than intravenous corticosteroids to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease flare-ups, say new guidelines.…