Sibutramine: suspension of marketing authorisation as risks outweigh benefits

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has completed a review of the obesity medicine Sibutramine (Reductil) on the basis of new safety information from a large clinical trial, the Sibutramine Cardiovascular OUTcome (SCOUT) study. … more

Devon LPC Contractor Survey 2010

The LPC is currently conducting a survey of our contractors and their pharmacy teams. The results of the survey will contribute constructively towards the LPC Strategy which will be reviewed by the new LPC when it comes into office in April 2010. … more

NHS Information Governance Requirements Finalised

New provisions have been introduced that apply to all NHS providers who must assure their PCTs that they manage personal information in compliance with NHS requirements. This must be done by completing the NHS Information Governance Toolkit which is an online assessment tool. … more

Chlamydia. Worth Talking About

The Department of Health has launched a campaign to help raise awareness of chlamydia in the under-25s, which will include an advertising campaign to encourage greater acceptance of screening. … more

Consultation on generic substitution

Proposals that would allow the dispensing of generic medicines instead of branded medicines in primary care were set out today by the Department of Health. The consultation closes at the end of March 2010. … more

Good to Great - the NHS Plan 2010-2015

The Health Secretary, Andy Burnham, has set out his strategy for the NHS to put patients first and improve the quality of care as it enters an unprecedented era of reform. … more

NHS Employers launches new guidance on the commissioning of pharmacy-based smoking cessation services

NHS employers has developed a guidance aiming to strengthen contractual arrangements so that pharmacy-based stop smoking services show clear evidence of partnership working with local NHS stop smoking services. … more

Want to stop smoking?

Ask your pharmacist - You are four times more likely to quit using a NHS Stop Smoking Service … more

PSNC news

Fines of up to £500,000 for Serious Data Protection Breaches

New powers, designed to deter personal data security breaches, are expected to come into force on 6 April 2010. The Information Commissioner’s Office… more

Pfizer Launches Generic Medicines Portfolio in the UK

Pfizer Limited has launched six generic medicines today for its pharmacy and dispensing customers in the UK. The generic medicines are metformin, finasteride,… more

Essential Small Pharmacies

The Secretary of State has issued Directions relating to Essential Small Pharmacies in England that operate under the ESP LPS arrangements.PaymentsThe… more