Toxicology

Lithium monitoring and toxicity management

Pharmacists across sectors should be able to counsel patients on the recognition and prevention of lithium toxicity.…

Opioid overdose deaths ‘rising sharply’ in England and Wales, OECD says

Deaths from opioid overdose are “rising sharply” in England and Wales as part of a continuing global crisis, according to an analysis by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.…

Probable carcinogen in heart drug may have been present since 2012, reveals EMA

An impurity found in valsartan-containing medicines manufactured in China could have been present since 2012, according to the European Medicines Agency.…

A fascinating look at the history of toxicology

Toxicology in the middle ages and renaissance, edited by Philip Wexler…

Nurses who administer cancer drugs could be at risk of developing health problems

More research is needed to assess the harmful effects on oncology healthcare staff of administering cytotoxic drugs and whether enough is being done to protect them, a research report by consumer and business analyst MindMetre says.…

Researchers find metal impurities in vaccines, but European regulator challenges study

Lead, stainless steel, iron particles and other inorganic material have been found in a sample of vaccines manufactured in France and Italy, according to a study.…

Smokers who swap cigarettes for e-cigarettes or NRT have lower carcinogen levels

E-cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapy are less toxic and safer if used instead of conventional cigarettes, according to research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.…

Why mistletoe is dangerous at Christmas

Andrew Haynes describes the health risks — or lack of health risks — of popular Christmas plants.…

Why we should be wary about plastic food containers

A contributing factor to the rise of premature births and the early onset of puberty may be the use of the chemical BPA in plastic products.…

Pharmacists recognised in 2016 New Year’s honours list

Several pharmacists and former pharmacists have been recognised in the New Year’s honours list, with four being made Officers of the Order of the British Empire.…