DrugClass

New class of anticoagulant found to ‘overwhelmingly’ reduce bleeding events in patients with atrial fibrillation

Experts say the results of this “exciting” two-year study of abelacimab “add to the growing evidence that inhibition of factor XI may preferentially impact thrombosis over haemostasis”.…

EMA safety committee to review link between semaglutide and rare eye condition

The review will include data from clinical trials, post-marketing surveillance, studies on the mechanism of action and medical literature.…

Third of asthma inhalers without dose counters returned for recycling when half full, study finds

Researchers found that inhalers with dose counters were much more likely to be returned empty (51.3%) compared with those without counters (25.1%).…

Pharmacy can ‘unleash the potential’ of vaccines against AMR

Delegates at the University College London, National Pharmacy Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society annual lecture heard that community pharmacy’s “rapport with our patients” could be instrumental in increasing the uptake of vaccines to address antimicrobial resistance.…

Why England’s Pharmacy First sore throat service needs point-of-care testing

Over the past few years, there has been a sore throat test-and-treat service implemented in Wales and, more recently, in Northern Ireland, based on their pilots. In England, we still have a sore throat service that does not include a point-of-care test (POCT) component. Results from pilots in Nor…

Optimising use of SGLT2 inhibitors in hospital patients

How pharmacists can evaluate SGLT2 inhibitor use in hospitalised patients with a well-balanced approach so that patients can simultaneously benefit from SGLT2 inhibitors and the reduction of diabetic ketoacidosis risk.…

Top ten features of 2024

From dangerous new synthetic opioids to the use of artificial intelligence to transform drug discovery, our most popular features this year have covered a wide array of topics.…

Government advises ICBs set up local plans to address PERT supply shortages

The supply shortage impacts three pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy products: Creon (Viatris) 10,000 and 25,000 capsules, Nutrizym 22 (Zentiva) capsules and Pancrex V (Essential Pharma) capsules and powder.…

Pharmacy First treatment options should be broadened to support antimicrobial stewardship, says CCA

The Company Chemists’ Association says widening treatment options for conditions under the Pharmacy First service would “ensure antibiotics are only provided when absolutely required”.…

NICE recommends vadadustat for anaemia during dialysis for chronic kidney disease

Draft guidance says that vadadustat is a cost-effective oral alternative to erythropoiesis stimulating agents for the treatment of anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease receiving dialysis.…