Medical conditions

Medicines regulator approves UK’s first dual combination inhaler for mild asthma

AstraZeneca said the marketing authorisation meant its Symbicort Turbohaler 200/6 could be used by 2.7 million adults in the UK who live with mild asthma.…

Epilepsy charities call on government to immediately halt two-clinician sign-off for patients taking valproate

A coalition of epilepsy charities has said the decision is "totally out of proportion to the risks to patient safety".…

Pharmacists given discretion to dispense urgent items on mixed prescriptions in ‘confusing’ HRT prepayment certificate guidance  

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee says it is “totally unacceptable” to expect stretched community pharmacies to deal with the government's rules over mixed prescriptions and the new HRT prepayment certificate.…

Hyponatraemia: clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment

Hyponatraemia is a common presentation in emergency, acute and critical care. Learn the signs, symptoms and tests needed to diagnose and treat it.…

Autism: identification, management and support

Healthcare professionals need a robust knowledge of autism and the challenges faced by autistic individuals and their carers to provide effective support. Pharmacists can ensure medicines are used appropriately and make reasonable adjustments to provide equitable access to services.…

‘Pandemic of tragedy’: how the availability of drugs online led to the death of a 24-year-old

A father recounts how the death of his son Jason Houghton could have been prevented with tighter controls around the availability of drugs online.…

Pharmacy’s role in supporting adults who self-harm

An overview of self-harm in adults and how pharmacy staff can provide support.…

Testosterone for menopause: why women face difficulties accessing treatment

GPs and specialist menopause clinics are overwhelmed with demand for testosterone to treat low libido in post-menopausal women; however, there are still no products licensed for women in the UK, leaving them to 'guesstimate' doses using male formulations or being forced to pay privately.…

Boots to trial £20 type 2 diabetes screening service

If deemed suitable for screening, patients will undergo a finger prick blood test and receive diagnostic test results within seven minutes.…

ADHD and central nervous system stimulant prescribing has increased by almost 70% in five years

The NHS Business Services Authority's 'Medicines used in mental health' report covers five types of mental health medication prescribed in England and dispensed in the community.…