Medicines derived from UK blood plasma distributed to NHS hospitals for ‘first time in a generation’ More than 250,000 litres of plasma from UK donors have been sent to human protein product manufacturer Octapharma to produce NHS medicines for the first time since a 1998 ban.…
Genomics surveillance programme for hepatitis C launched by UK Health Security Agency In order to monitor hepatitis C virus strains that are resistant to antiviral medicines, the UK Health Security Agency has set up a genomic surveillance programme to seek genetic markers for drug resistance.…
HIV patients should switch to long-acting antiretroviral injectable treatments sooner, study concludes Researchers found that 98% of patients who were not virally suppressed at the start of the study had non-detectable viral loads after 11 months of long-acting antiretroviral injectable treatment.…
Test your knowledge of respiratory tract diseases Respiratory tract conditions — such as lung cancer, COPD and pneumonia — account for 20% of all deaths. Here, test your knowledge of these common conditions and treatment options.…
The role of pharmacy in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis Pharmacists can play an important role in identifying and engaging with at risk individuals to promote PrEP awareness and uptake.…
Community pharmacy offers ‘key opportunity’ for increasing flu vaccination uptake in children, says NHS England chief Amanda Pritchard said exploring the use of other flu vaccination providers — including community pharmacy — to expand convenience was one of three “key opportunities to go further” identified by NHS England.…
Use community pharmacies to combat falling vaccine uptake, report urges A report published by the Company Chemists’ Association on behalf of the Pharmacy Vaccinations Development Group has suggested that community pharmacies are well placed to increase vaccine uptake, raise patients’ confidence and prevent ill health.…
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.…
Rashes in children Rashes in children are common and may be difficult to differentiate by appearance alone; therefore, it is important to consider the entire clinical presentation in order to make the appropriate diagnosis.…
PrEP pilot underway in five community pharmacies across south west England The University of Bristol-led pilot is aimed to address inequalities in access to pre-exposure prophylaxis.…