A surveillance robot project recently deployed by the HSE during Covid-19 data processing may be used for other respiratory infections during the coming flu season,…
Consumer demand for vitamins surges due to Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has sparked a surge in demand for vitamin supplements in Ireland, according to new data. United Drug, Ireland’s largest pharmaceutical wholesaler, found…
Affordable healthcare measures welcomed by pharmacists
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has welcomed the announcement of new measures to improve the affordability of healthcare in Ireland. Responding to the announcement, Secretary…
APPEL seeks expressions of interest for experiential learning placements
APPEL (Affiliation for Pharmacy Practice Experiential Learning) has announced that it is now seeking expressions of interest from pharmacists in all practice settings who would…
Budget 2021 was a ‘major missed opportunity’ to deliver further pharmacy efficiencies
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has welcomed the increase in healthcare spending but said it must be delivered in communities as well as hospitals. Speaking…
Governments called on to take urgent action on pharmacy-based vaccination
Governments and other stakeholders must take urgent action to ensure equity in access to disease prevention measures, which includes greater investment in vaccines and vaccination…
Research finds new use for old diabetes medicine, pointing the way to improved outcomes
Work by pharmaceutical scientists in Japan has found that the thiazolidinedione troglitazone inhibits internalisation of hepatitis B virus (HBV). “Current anti-HBV agents, including nucleoside analogues…
Role of pharmacists in mitigating effects of air pollution highlighted in report
A wider role for community pharmacists in reducing the negative impacts of air pollution on health is advocated in a new report published recently the…
Government urged to ‘repay the commitment’ of pharmacists during Covid-19
Marking World Pharmacists Day on 25 September, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) paid tribute to the dedication shown by the country’s pharmacists throughout the Covid-19…
Asthma Society of Ireland calls on Government for subsidisation of life-saving asthma medications
In its pre-Budget Submission 2021, the Asthma Society of Ireland presented to the Government five ‘asks’ to be considered in the 2021 Budget, which it…
IPU warns public about risks of purchasing medicines online
With more people than ever working from home, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) recently sought to remind the public about the major health risks that…
Lessons learned from Covid-19 — EAHP survey on the future crisis preparedness of hospital pharmacies
The European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) has launched a survey to collect information on the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey on…
Clinical trial shows common steroid improves recovery and survival for Covid-19 ICU patients
A global study involving more than 200 intensive care units around the world has found that delivering intravenous hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid, improves recovery and survival…
Majority of migraine sufferers experiencing more frequent & severe migraines during pandemic
A new survey has revealed that patients have been suffering with more frequent and severe migraines since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic Migraine sufferers…
Profession will emerge from pandemic ‘bigger and better’ but must act as ‘one pharmacy’
At a time of great uncertainty and emergency, the pharmacy profession has demonstrated its expertise, strength, courage and dedication to care to the highest level,…
Common theory on steroids’ anti-inflammatory effect refuted by researchers
A group of scientists are examining the beneficial effects of cortisone in order to lay the groundwork for the development of similar drugs with fewer…
Call for regulatory authorities to give extended powers to pharmacists to combat medicine shortages
Pharmacists should be given greater authority to solve medicine shortages when they occur and governments should, as soon as possible, instruct medicines regulatory authorities to…
New partnership announced to support patients affected by mental health issues
United Drug has announced a new two-year partnership with Aware to help support the charity with its vision to create a society where people affected…
Expansion of flu vaccination programme welcomed
Pharmacists have welcomed the recent announcement by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD that the flu vaccination programme will be expanded this year. The Irish…
International Pharmaceutical Federation calls for greater focus on pharmacy remuneration
A common concern among pharmacy associations worldwide is the long-term financial viability of professional services delivered by pharmacists, according to a recent policy statement from…
Blood test to predict who is likely to develop psychotic disorders discovered
RCSI-led research has shown that testing the levels of certain proteins in blood samples can predict whether a person at risk of psychosis is likely…
New evidence of positive impact of pharmacists on patient safety
The positive impact of pharmacists in supporting medication without harm has been described in a new publication from the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), which was…
70% fear they may mistake Covid-19 symptoms for hay fever
The Asthma Society of Ireland recently released the results of its Hay Fever Survey, which found that seven-in-10 people who have both asthma and hay…
QUB research to begin on bacterial co-infections in Covid-19 and drug repurposing
A research team from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has been awarded a £500,000 UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Rapid Response Fund grant to investigate the…
Registration and abstract submissions now open for 25th EAHP annual congress
The European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) has announced that registration and abstract submissions are now open for its 25th anniversary annual congress, scheduled to…
Covid-19 Tracker App
Irish Covid-19 tracker app ‘incompatible with a recommendation for population-wide usage’ due to privacy concerns — TCD researchers Prof Doug Leith and Dr Stephen Farrell…
Cycle Against Suicide seeking participants ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day
Across the world, somebody dies every 40 seconds by taking their own life. In Ireland, at least one person dies by suicide every single day,…
Latest overview of pharmacy-based vaccination around the world published
Pharmacy-based vaccination is available in at least 36 countries and territories and has been proposed or is undergoing development in a further 16, according to…
Acute exercise has beneficial effects on the immune system during prostate cancer — study
New research published in Experimental Physiology has found that in prostate cancer survivors, a moderate bout of exercise kept the cell count of certain types…
New research driving immunometabolism to control lung infection
When drugs to kill microbes are ineffective, host-directed therapy uses the body’s own immune system to deal with the infection. This approach is being tested…