Medical conditions

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".…

Pharmacy is the ‘logical place’ to provide naloxone kits, says Community Pharmacy Wales

Responding to the Department of Health and Social Care's consultation on improving naloxone access across the UK, Community Pharmacy Wales emphasised the accessibility of community pharmacy.…

Racial and ethnic disparities in mental health care

An overview of evident racial inequalities in mental health treatments across all ages, as well as discussion on how pharmacists can challenge and/or prevent this imbalance.…

All pharmacists now eligible for free flu vaccination in England after U-turn

Additional funding has been set aside to allow for all "eligible primary care contractors" to be vaccinated against flu — including community pharmacy teams and locums — following pleas from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee.…

Break in cancer treatment cuts side effects and does not affect life expectancy, study finds

A trial has shown that breaks from first-line treatments for patients with metastatic and/or locally advanced kidney cancer did not cause meaningful detriment to their life expectancy or quality of life.…