In this issue
Insight
Enthusiasm for PCSK9 inhibitors to lower LDL cholesterol is premature Subscription
Although PCSK9 inhibitors have been hailed as the next big thing in the treatment of high cholesterol, there are not enough data to make informed opinions about their overall value.
Correspondence
The effectiveness of granisetron transdermal patch in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomitingSubscription
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most distressing side effects of chemotherapy. It can have a negative impact on quality of life and may discourage patients from continuing treatment. Economic impacts include costs of prolonged hospital stays, emergency admissions for dehydration, additional treatments, emotional support and depression. In severe cases, CINV could lead to serious complications and clinical decisions may be made to delay, reduce or stop chemotherapy.
Improving the use of medicines in East CheshireSubscription
East Cheshire’s Neighbourhood Integrated Medicines Optimisation (NIMO) team started as a small pharmacy project three years ago but, following clinical commissioning group financial support, a pharmacy service was developed and carved into this rural region.
Foods that cause blood glucose spikeSubscription
On the subject of obesity, there is some interesting work appearing. It relates to the body’s blood sugar response to various foods and also to the composition of one’s gut bacterial flora. For me, the blood glucose spike is the most interesting bit. What is clear is that blood glucose spikes that occur eating or drinking are a bad thing.
CPD article
Bipolar disorder: pharmacotherapy options with a focus on women of childbearing ageSubscription
Bipolar disorder and its implications for women of childbearing age, with a focus on the use of valproate and how this compares to other available pharmacologic treatments.
Bridging anticoagulation: perioperative management of patients on anticoagulantsSubscription
How patients on anticoagulants can be effectively managed in the perioperative period, including the evidence for the need for ‘bridging’ anticoagulation therapy and introduction of direct oral anticoagulants.
Perspective article
E-cigarettes in smoking cessation: a harm reduction perspectiveSubscription
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are novel devices that simulate aspects of cigarette smoking and deliver nicotine to users. Evidence for their efficacy in smoking cessation, based on several randomised controlled trials of older devices, suggests a modest effect. They appear to be far less harmful than tobacco smoking, but the health effects of long-term use are unknown. Possible adverse population effects of widespread e-cigarette use, such as renormalising smoking ...
