Medical conditions

Case study: treatment-resistant schizophrenia

An examination of how a patient with schizophrenia, who is transferred from a mental health hospital to the community, is treated with clozapine effectively.…

Medicines management in adult patients undergoing liver transplantation

Medication regimes for patients undergoing liver transplantation can be complex, meaning pharmacists must consider how best to optimise medicines and manage side effects.…

NICE removes budesonide from recommended COVID-19 treatments

In updated guidance, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said there was “no statistically significant difference” between patients treated with inhaled budesonide for COVID-19 and those who received usual care.…

Government pledges more than £500m to boost drug treatment services in England

The funding is part of a ten-year plan to address drug misuse and reduce drug-related deaths.…

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.…

Antidepressants should not be routinely offered to patients with ‘less severe’ depression, NICE says

In its first guideline on the management of depression in adults in 12 years, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that antidepressants should only be offered to patients with "less severe" depression if that is their preference.…

Health board to double number of community pharmacies offering independent prescribing service

The increase in pharmacies offering the independent prescribing service in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in Wales will mean around 15% of pharmacies in the region will offer the service.…

Recognising common skin conditions in people of colour

Improving knowledge around diagnosis of eczema, psoriasis, acne vulgaris and fungal skin infections in skin of colour can facilitate timely diagnosis and reduce severity of disease.…

Supported content

Health secretary considers adopting ‘Pharmacy First’ service for England

Sajid Javid said he was “asking my department to work with the NHS and look at a ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme for England, so pharmacists can provide treatment for specific conditions, such as sore throats, without patients having to go to their GP".…