DrugClass

COVID-19 antiviral trial recruits more than 350 patients as community treatment is rolled out

As soon as they test positive for COVID-19, eligible patients are being encouraged to sign up to the PANORAMIC study, which is investigating the effects of molnupiravir.…

Direct oral anticoagulants in the treatment of portal vein thrombosis: a therapeutic review

Despite being unlicensed for the treatment of portal vein thrombosis, direct oral anticoagulants may offer benefits over oral vitamin K antagonists and low molecular weight heparins. Here, the current evidence-base related to their use for this indication is evaluated to inform and educate healthcar…

NHS develops dashboard to identify possible over-prescribing of prednisolone

The dashboard calculates the total cumulative dose of prednisolone prescribed to patients in England in the past 12 months, allowing those at risk to be considered for alternative treatment methods.…

How to counsel patients on the administration of nasal sprays, drops and ointments and performing nasal irrigation

Pharmacists and pharmacy teams must ensure patients understand how best to use their nasal preparations to ensure optimal delivery to resolve symptoms and prevent side effects.…

‘Think Twice’ campaign cuts unnecessary opioid prescribing for thousands of patients

Researchers discovered that opioid prescribing fell where GPs were given two-monthly feedback about prescribing levels.…

Community pharmacies in England to carry out contraception checks to free up GP time

NHS England says the oral contraception scheme will relieve burden on primary care while improving access for patients.…

Community pharmacies to provide three-month supply of desogestrel as bridging contraception

Providing a three-month supply of contraception is expected to give patients "time to access their GP or sexual health services" for long-term prescriptions.…

‘Unprecedented’ rise in drug overdoses in England linked with synthetic opioid

Public Health England has issued a National Patient Safety alert warning of a sharp rise in drug overdoses, which have resulted in 16 deaths around the country.…

Anticoagulants can increase survival in hospitalised patients with moderate COVID-19, trial data show

Findings from three integrated trials have shown patients with moderate COVID-19 who were treated with therapeutic-dose anticoagulation heparin were less likely to need organ support.…

Pharmacist advice on inappropriate direct oral anticoagulant prescribing accepted in four out of five cases

Data from a study of hospitalised patients in Belgium show hospital physicians accepted advice on dose adjustment for direct oral anticoagulants in almost 80% of cases.…