Drug

Pharmacists told to issue only one month supply of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in shortage warning

There are shortages of two brands of pancreatic enzyme therapy, with Nutrizym 22 capsules out of stock until August 2024 and limited supplies of Creon 10,000 and 25,000 capsules until 2026.…

Serious shortage protocols for clarithromycin reactivated as whooping cough cases rise

The protocols were first introduced in 2023, and are now due to expire on 21 June 2024.…

NICE terminates appraisal of medicine for the treatment of persistent cough

Manufacturer Merck Sharpe & Dohme has decided not to supply the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence with evidence on use of gefapixant (Lyfnua).…

Everything you need to know about xylazine

Powerful veterinary tranquiliser xylazine has been implicated in a growing number of drug-related deaths in the United States. Researchers are now warning that it has entered the illicit drug market in the UK, with urgent action needed to protect people who use drugs from its harms.…

Varenicline planned for return but ‘not before’ end of 2024, says manufacturer

Pfizer has said smoking cessation therapy varenicline will be reintroduced to the UK, after being withdrawn in October 2021.…

Regulator approves first injectable treatment for prevention of HIV

Cabotegravir has been approved as pre-exposure prophylaxis in the UK in both tablet and injectable form.…

Best practice for medicines use in neonates

An overview of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations when treating neonates, and the impacts on drug absorption, metabolism and elimination.…

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs

Biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs have greatly changed the treatment and outcomes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis; there are many considerations for their use that pharmacists should be aware of.…

Montelukast will carry ‘more prominent warnings’ of neuropsychiatric reactions

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency also advised prescribers to be alert for neuropsychiatric reactions, including sleep disorders, hallucinations, anxiety and depression, and changes in behaviour and mood.…

Writing for pleasure or pain?

This month’s pick of academic papers from Parastou Donyai, chief pharmacist at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.…