The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for antibiotics for the treatment of Group A Strep.
"Supplies of antibiotics for the treatment of Group A Strep have seen a surge in demand and may be temporarily in limited supply at certain wholesalers and
pharmacies," said DHSC.
"Supplies are available with manufacturers, and deliveries into wholesalers and pharmacies are being expedited and are expected in the coming days."
If the formulation of antibiotic prescribed is unavailable, DHSC has asked clinicians and local pharmacy teams to consider prescribing an alternative form or
strength of the antibiotic where appropriate, ensuring the patient is not intolerant to any of the excipients in the alternative and is counselled on the
appropriate dose (and volume) required.
The leading cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Symptoms include fatigue, feeling cold all the time, constipation, weight gain, and more. Curcumin is a compound found in spice turmeric that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have shown that curcumin may help lower TSH levels (a marker for hypothyroidism). Taking curcumin over the long term may help lower TSH levels as well as cholesterol levels.
How Can I understand your desire to raise your iron levels quickly, it's crucial to prioritize safe and responsible methods that align with your individual health needs. Self-treating iron deficiency can be dangerous, so seeking professional guidance is vital. How Can I Raise My Iron Levels Fast? If dietary changes prove insufficient, your doctor might recommend iron supplements. However, dosage and type are crucial, and self-administration can be dangerous. Overconsumption can lead to iron overload, causing serious health problems.Remember, I am not a medical professional. This information is intended for general knowledge only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance on raising your iron levels safely and effectively.
Understanding Iron Deficiency:
Iron deficiency occurs when your body lacks sufficient iron, impacting red blood cell production and oxygen delivery. It can trigger fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. However, diagnosing the cause and severity is essential before taking action. Consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis, blood tests, and personalized recommendations.
Reckitt has recalled certain catches of Nutramigen LGG stage 1 and stage 2 Hypoallergenic Formula powders over the possible presence of Cronobacter sakazakii.
While the products, which are used for special medical purposes for infants, are mainly prescribed, they are also available without a prescription.
The precautionary step has been taken after an isolated overseas sample of the product tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii, said the consumer goods company,
adding that a thorough investigation is on.
Cronobacter sakazakii is a type of bacteria that can easily survive in dry foods, like powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches.
NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB)'s decision to withdraw gluten free prescriptions for people with coeliac disease across Leeds and Calderdale
has disappointed Coeliac UK.
In a statement released on Thursday, the charity, which provides support and advice to those living with the disease, has raised "grave concerns" about the decision,
warning that it will have a detrimental impact on the coeliac community.
The policy is currently implemented across the ICB's other places including Bradford district and Craven, Kirklees and Wakefield district, preventing coeliac
patients from accessing gluten free bread and flour mix on prescription.
NHS West Yorkshire ICB wants to align its gluten free prescribing guidelines across its five places.
But the charity is worried that the additional cost of gluten free staple products will poses a real challenge to maintaining the gluten-free diet, which is the
only treatment for the condition.
American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has received marketing authorisation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for its
medication Etrasimod, marketed as Velsipity, used to treat people with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the lining of the large intestine (colon)
and rectum.
The approved recommended dose for Velsipity is one 2 mg tablet to be taken once daily. For the first three days, it is advised to take the medication with food,
and subsequently, it can be taken daily either with or without food.
According to the regulator, the approval of the medication is based on evidence from two clinical studies, which showed that 26 per cent of patients taking
etrasimod achieved clinical remission after 12 weeks of treatment compared with 11 per cent of those receiving placebo. The studies included more than 740
patients aged 16 years and over for whom standard treatment or other treatments did not work well enough or could not be used.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that there has been a continued increase in cases of whooping cough (pertussis) across England since
the start of this year.
According to new data published by the agency on Thursday (7 March), 553 new cases of whooping cough were confirmed in January alone, compared with 858 cases
for the whole of last year (2023).
The country is witnessing a surge in whooping cough cases after a prolonged period of low case numbers, attributed to restrictions and reduced social interaction
during the COVID-19 pandemic. England recorded the highest number of whooping cough cases in 2016, recording 5,949 cases.
As the ongoing rise coincides with a steady decline in the vaccination rates among pregnant women and children, UKHSA has strongly encouraged mums-to-be to get
the maternal pertussis vaccine so that their young baby is protected against this serious disease.
Almost all community pharmacies in the West Midlands and East Midlands have begun treating people for seven common conditions, as part of the newly launched
Pharmacy First scheme.
NHS England on Sunday (4 February) revealed that more than 95 per cent of community pharmacies in the West Midlands (1130) and over 97 per cent in the East
Midlands (840) have joined the ground-breaking initiative.
The scheme allows highly trained pharmacists to assess and treat patients for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and
uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (under the age of 65) without the need for an appointment or prescription.
With this major expansion of pharmacy services, the health service is aiming to free up 10 million GP appointments a year, while making it easier and more
convenient for people to access care.
The National Health Services England (NHSE) is poised to revolutionise diabetes management with the introduction of the 'artificial pancreas', also known
as the Hybrid Closed Loop system, to treat type 1 diabetes. This pioneering initiative, endorsed by the National Institute of Health Care and Excellence (NICE),
represents a global first in healthcare innovation.
With 269,095 individuals grappling with type 1 diabetes in England, the Hybrid Closed Loop system is set to cater to tens of thousands of children and adults across
the nation.
This cutting-edge device operates by seamlessly monitoring blood glucose levels and autonomously adjusting insulin dosage through a pump, by eliminating the need
for regular insulin injections.
Furthermore, it holds the promise of averting life-threatening hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemia episodes, mitigating significant risks associated with the condition.
To facilitate the identification of beneficiaries, NHSE has allocated a substantial sum of £2.5 million, ensuring that those who could benefit from this innovative
solution receive the necessary support.