Pharmacies across Forth Valley could become the first port of call for people needing treatment for an uncomplicated urine infection. As of 1st March all 76 pharmacies are able to offer, if appropriate, free antibiotic treatment without the need for a prescription. On the spot medication will also be available, without prescription, for impetigo – [...]
We’re always being advised that we should take our medicines as prescribed by our doctors and pharmacists and that we should follow the instructions given on the pill bottle or packet to the letter. One way of ensuring that we do this is to give the instructions in clear language that is well understood – [...]
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has shared the breaking news that dietitians have been granted supplementary prescribing rights. This significant decision made by Minister George Freeman, means that advanced level and experienced dietitians, who have successfully completed an approved post-graduate education and training programme, will be able to prescribe medicines for their patients under a [...]
The Department of Health (DH) is currently consulting on the extension of charging overseas visitors and migrants using the NHS in England. The consultation – Making a fair contribution – is particularly relevant to community pharmacy teams because it outlines when both European Economic Area (EEA) and non-EEA visitors/residents will be required to pay a [...]
Advice on switching and withdrawing antidepressants in MIMS has been updated to reflect the latest recommendations from the 2015 edition of the Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines in Psychiatry. The MIMS table now includes specific advice on switching to and from clomipramine, fluvoxamine and vortioxetine. The updated quick-reference table is available online and will be included in the March [...]
Benepali (etanercept) has recently launched, providing prescribers with a biosimilar version of the TNF-targeting biologic etanercept. The 50mg prefilled pens and syringes are approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis in adults. Etanercept has been shown to slow the progression of joint damage and improve physical function in patients with rheumatoid [...]
