In this issue
Insight
Why biosimilars should be interchangeable with biologicsSubscription
Research suggests no substantive outcome differences between the use of originator biologics and their biosimilar counterparts Source: Shutterstock.com
CPD article
Sepsis: an update on identification and management Subscription
All healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, should be aware of the clinical features and management of sepsis. This article summarises the recent changes in the definition of sepsis in adults, as well as its management.
Review
TNFα-inhibitors for ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritisSubscription
Spondyloarthropathy refers to a group of articular inflammatory diseases that share common genetic, clinical and radiological features in addition to their association with human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 antigen. The aim of therapeutic management of patients with spondyloarthritis is to improve quality of life, control the symptoms of articular inflammation, prevent the structural damage of joints, and preserve the functional abilities, autonomy and social participation of patients. Although
Establishing the risk related to hormone replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease in womenSubscription
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has a profound impact on the cardiovascular system in postmenopausal women, achieved through its effects on metabolic risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) and on arterial function. Observational studies have consistently shown an association between postmenopausal HRT use and a reduced incidence of CHD. However, the largest randomised trial initially reported no overall benefit on CHD risk. Subsequent analyses and follow-up of the study have ...
Short communications
Breast cancer prevention trumps cureSubscription
Breast cancer is the most prevalent female cancer and is estimated to increase by 50% by 2030 compared to the incidence in 2011. The decision by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the UK health technology appraiser, to recommend the use of preventive medicines, which are known to decrease the risk of developing breast cancer, is a welcome advance in public health.
We need safe and better labelled vitamin D products on the marketSubscription
Recommended vitamin D intakes for all of us living in the UK have changed following the publication of a report from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) on 22 July 2016. New guidelines were required because of the persisting problem relating to vitamin D deficiency: ...
Parkinson’s disease-specific medicines use reviewSubscription
Members of Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s London North West Local Practice Forum (LNW LPF) are working with charity Parkinson’s UK to develop a new service for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The overall aim is to develop a PD-specific medicines use review by designing and trialling it in an initial and follow-up trial.
How to spot signs of postnatal depression in the pharmacySubscription
In light of singer Adele’s recent admission in an interview that she has suffered from postnatal depression (PND), I would like to alert readers to how they can spot the signs and help those who might be affected in their day-to-day work in the pharmacy.
