Whooping cough cases increase by 1,600% in a year, data show Data from the UK Health Security Agency show that in 2024, the total number of pertussis cases exceeded the total cases observed during the 2012 whooping cough outbreak in England.…
Testosterone in menopause: a review of the evidence and prescribing practice A closer look at the evidence base around testosterone prescribing for women with menopause, analysing the impact of regional formularies and the surge in demand in recent years.…
SIGN rejects opioids and medicinal cannabis for chronic pain in draft guidance Draft guidance on management of chronic pain included medicinal cannabis for the first time, not recommending it on the basis of limited clinical evidence and consistent evidence of adverse effects.…
First non-cannabis treatment for rare form of epilepsy made available on NHS Fenfluramine is a non-cannabis treatment for patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome who do not respond to existing treatments or clobazam owing to its side effects.…
Hitting Pharmacy First thresholds is ‘challenging’, despite concessions, says CPE Community Pharmacy England subcommittee board papers said monthly Pharmacy First threshold payments were being discussed in the ongoing contract negotiations.…
More than half of pharmacy staff struggle with mental health over medicines shortages, reveals survey Respondents to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Workforce Wellbeing Survey also cited inadequate staffing, lack of work–life balance and increased financial pressures as factors that negatively impact their mental health.…
ICBs may commission community pharmacies to offer diabetic eye screenings from 2026, says NHS England NHS England has proposed a diabetic eye screening programme that could be commissioned from community health centres, high street opticians and pharmacies to accommodate local community needs.…
Identification and management of common eye disorders A summary of the common symptoms and conditions that may be encountered by pharmacists running minor ailment services, including information on assessment, self-care, management and referral.…
Four in five people want pharmacies to provide treatment for additional conditions A similar proportion of the YouGov poll respondents also support pharmacy provision of vaccinations beyond COVID-19 and flu.…
Two-clinician review for men taking valproate not required, says MHRA The requirement that two specialists must review any patient aged under 55 years taking valproate will now only apply to patients who are starting the drug.…
