Healthy living
Medicines and supplements
News from the pharmacy
New alternatives to statins, free prescriptions for Scots and more news on medicines
Gels effective for knee pain relief
Ibuprofen gel, a common pain killer that is rubbed on the skin, is as effective in treating on-going knee pain as ibuprofen tablets or capsules, but with fewer side effects, according to a study that followed 280 patients in 26 different GP surgeries over 50 years.
However, prescribing experts have advised doctors that, in low doses, ibuprofen is a safer painkiller than diclofenac, sometimes marketed as Voltarol. Although the overall risk level is low, certain daily doses of diclofenac can be linked to a higher risk of heart or stomach complications.
The recommendation is that GPs should regard low-dose ibuprofen as the most appropriate first choice treatment, although continuing with diclofenac may still be the best option for some patients, depending on individual circumstances.
Alzheimer’s drug fight continues
Manufacturers of the controversial Alzheimer’s drug Aricept are to appeal the High Court ruling that has banned the use of the drug on the NHS.
The drug was banned for NHS use in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s by NHS medicine assessors on grounds of a lack of cost-effectiveness. The decision to allow the appeal may enable NHS patients with newly diagnosed and mild Alzheimer's disease to receive the drug.
However, the lobby will not be helped by new research that concludes that drugs like Aricept may not help mild Alzheimer's disease. Two studies involving nearly 800 patients with only mild cognitive impairment produced only a modest benefit over 24 weeks.
Alternative to statins
Cholestagel is a new drug for raised cholesterol in patients who do not do well on statins. The drug, now available on the NHS, works by lowering the amount of bile acid in the stomach, which in turns lowers cholesterol levels. It is designed to be taken either alone for those who can’t get on with statins, or in combination with a statin to achieve further blood cholesterol reductions.
And, there’s more good news for patients who cannot tolerate statins. NHS medicine assessors have given the go-head for the future launch of Ezetrol (also known as ezetimibe), another cholesterol-lowering treatment for patients who either cannot take a statin, or who still suffer raised cholesterol despite taking statins. The possible side effects of this drug can include muscle pain and stomach problems.
Scotland goes charge-free
Prescriptions in Scotland will all be free by April 2011. The move will happen gradually, starting with a reduction to £5 this year for single prescriptions and then to £4 in 2009 and £3 in 2010. The price of annual prescription ‘season’ tickets will also fall by over £50 this year.
Keep well
Health experts fear that the UK could soon be in for a flu pandemic, which could see up to half of the population become ill. Plans to enable the NHS to cope with the increased demand for information, advice and treatment, are already underway.
Look out for the new ‘Catch it, bin it, kill it’ campaign, launched by the Department of Health in an effort to help stop the flu pandemic before it starts.
Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, disposing of the tissue as soon as possible and cleaning your hands as soon you can are important actions that can help prevent the spread of germs. In a normal year, around 15% of the population will develop colds and flu and around 12,000 people in the UK will die from flu.
Coming to a pharmacy near you
Don’t be surprised if your local pharmacist seems keen to look in your mouth or to get you to see your doctor about that persistent cough. High street pharmacists are being drafted in to help the Government reduce cancer levels in the UK, so look out for a stop smoking clinic or new touch-screen systems that allow you to assess your cancer risk next time you visit a pharmacy.
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
