Physiology underpins notion that colds are caught more readily in cool weather The antiviral immune response is diminished at lower temperatures, according to a mouse study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.…
Generic prescribing is not appropriate for inhaled drugsThe UK is experiencing an explosion of new drugs and inhaler devices being licensed for people with respiratory disease, increasing the complexity of prescribing for people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The management of how these new products are introduced into clini…
Pointer’s rot: one of the oldest known occupational diseases Making needles by hand was a risky job because of the likelihood of contracting “Pointer’s rot”, a crippling lung disease caused by inhaling dust from ground metal and grindstone.…
Mistakes made by patients using medical devices points to need for better trainingA research team sought to identify the factors associated with incorrect use of metered-dose inhalers and epinephrine autoinjectors.…
Oxygen therapy reduces dyspnoea in COPD patients with mild disease Continuous oxygen during exertion, but not short-burst therapy, significantly reduces dyspnoea in patients with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, researchers find.…
Targeting disease in the developing world A new report by the Access to Medicine Index finds that pharmaceutical companies influence access to medicines in developing countries through the development of innovative and adapted products, operating equitable pricing strategies and building local capacity.…
2014: The Pharmaceutical Journal’s news in review Looking back at some of the biggest news stories from the past year. …
MURs should target patients with cardiovascular disease from January 2015Community pharmacists will be expected to offer medicines use reviews to patients with cardiovascular disease and those who are at risk from 1 January 2015, national negotiators have confirmed.…
GlaxoSmithKline revises colour and labelling of Relvar Ellipta inhaler GlaxoSmithKline is changing the colour of its Relvar Ellipta inhaler from blue to yellow after respiratory health professionals warned that patients could be confused.…
Review examines link between paracetamol use and asthma Researchers observed a positive association between paracetamol use in pregnancy and asthma but were unable to find sufficient evidence to support a change in guidance.…
