How safe are GLP-1s? As the use of weight-loss drugs continues to increase, there has been a rise in documented side effects. But what are the serious and unwanted effects of these drugs, and is Yellow Card reporting capturing enough information?…
New HIV diagnoses fall by almost 20% in one year Public Health Wales data show that the number of new HIV cases fell to 73 in 2024, from 91 confirmed cases in 2023.…
Measuring antidepressant symptoms instead of summary scores could show quicker response Researchers found that the use of combined symptom scoring, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire, could mask improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms.…
An increased focus on calculation competency as a regulatory requirement has never been more critical A senior lecturer in pharmacy at Kingston University discusses the importance of pharmacy students being able to demonstrate calculations competence before joining the General Pharmaceutical Council prescriber register.…
‘Balanced’ guidance on isotretinoin welcomed as MHRA launches survey The Commission on Human Medicines-endorsed updates to isotretinoin guidance encourages patients to ask about mental health or sexual dysfunction side effects associated with the drug in follow-up consultations.…
PJ view: The government’s approach to illegal street drugs should focus on treatment and prevention While the first drug-checking service has now been approved in Scotland, where the only safe drug consumption room is located, the government has reiterated that there are no plans to expand these across the UK.…
Researchers call for update to antidepressant guidelines Study authors reported up to a 4kg difference in the average weight gain or weight loss in patients taking certain antidepressants.…
Vigilance needed for posaconazole product mis-selection A new safety concern has emerged in UK pharmacy practice following launch of the gastro-resistant posaconazole powder for oral suspension (Noxafil 300 mg gastro-resistant powder and solvent for oral suspension; Merck Sharp and Dohme). This product, now licensed for paediatric patients from the age o…
First street drug-checking service approved in Scotland Users of the service — to open at the site where ‘The Thistle’ drug consumption room is located — will be able to submit drugs for testing and receive harm-reduction advice alongside the results.…
NICE recommends HIV prevention injection for people unable to take oral PrEP Guidance says cabotegravir offers HIV prevention to patients who are unable to use oral pre-exposure prophylaxis owing to medical contraindications, difficulty swallowing tablets or other challenges to adherence.…
