Medical conditions

How to approach challenging scenarios in primary care pharmacy

Three examples of vulnerable patients and those at risk of harm. The featured scenarios consider themes of suicide, addiction and sexual violence.…

‘Blanket switch’ to greener inhalers not recommended in prescribing guidance

The Scottish government has published a consultation on draft guidance emphasising that patients should only be switched to greener inhalers “if effectiveness, safety or adherence is not compromised”.…

NICE recommends tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes in final draft guidance

Following additional analyses and modelling of clinical and cost effectiveness, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes mellitus.…

Bacterial conjunctivitis: diagnosis and management

Bacterial conjunctivitis is a common presentation in community pharmacy so it is important to be able to recognise signs and symptoms, as well as identify causes and risk factors for all types of infection.…

NSAIDs used alongside hormonal contraception increase risk of blood clots, research suggests

Researchers concluded that the absolute risk of a venous thromboembolic event remains low in concomitant use of hormonal contraception and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.…

RPS backs call to legalise safe consumption facilities for drug users

Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said that providing consumption facilities for drug users would “provide an opportunity for health professionals to engage in treatment and prevention”.…

RPS Scotland collaborates on final version of ‘blue-green’ prescribing strategy

The strategy is aimed at reducing pharmaceutical pollution through prescribing nature-based health interventions and medications that are less environmentally harmful.…

Projects awarded £5m funding for AI and drone technology to tackle UK drug deaths

The funding will be used to develop prototype technologies to detect drug overdoses and deliver antidotes.…

‘Limited’ supply of weight loss drug semaglutide launched in UK

Manufacturer Novo Nordisk said it will monitor demand and work with regulators to ensure Wegovy is accessible to eligible patients.…

Number of blood pressure checks delivered by community pharmacists more than doubles in one year

NHS England has estimated the checks could prevent more than 1,300 heart attacks and strokes.…