Top five infographics in The Pharmaceutical Journal in 2017

It is an eclectic mix of infographics that has made it into the top five published by The Pharmaceutical Journal in 2017, covering topics from erectile dysfunction to sunscreen. In addition, an infographic on the history of aspirin, published in 2014, is still attracting many readers.

1. Three decades of Viagra

Sildenafil (Viagra) — the first oral drug for erectile dysfunction to hit the market in 1998 — has been prescribed for more than 64 million men worldwide, and has now been reclassified as a pharmacy medicine in the UK. This infographic includes a timeline of drug approvals and market developments for erectile dysfunction, as well as a look at usage and cost data, and the pharmacokinetics of the four phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors licensed in the UK. An accompanying editorial explains why reclassifying sildenafil is not such a huge leap.

2. Identifying common foot conditions

Patients visit their pharmacy to seek advice on a variety of conditions affecting their feet. This visual guide for pharmacists and their teams illustrates some common foot conditions, and describes their key features, causes and treatment.

3. Cities compete to host EMA

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is set to move its headquarters following the UK’s exit from the European Union in 2019. This infographic analyses the bids of 19 cities that applied to be the new host. An accompanying feature looks at the potential implications of this move for medicines regulation. And a subsequent news story
reveals that the winning city is Amsterdam.

4. Sixty years of the combined oral contraceptive pill

The first combined oral contraceptive pill was licensed for ‘menstrual irregularities’ in 1957, and for contraception three years later. Since then, millions of women have taken what has simply become known as ‘the pill’. This infographic chronicles the discovery and development of the pill; illustrates how it works; and details its risks and contraindications, as well as giving advice on missed pills.

5. Science of sunscreen

Sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, more than eight in ten cases of melanoma could be prevented through better knowledge of sun damage and how to protect against it. This infographic details how UVA and UVB radiation cause sun damage, as well as the types of sunscreen available and how choice depends on individual requirements. It also decodes the key terms used on sunscreen packaging.