The HSE has defended its guidance on when healthcare workers (HCWs) should use respirator masks in the pandemic, which differs from the position of the…
Pharmacists’ key role in vaccine plan welcomed but ‘bureaucracy must be streamlined’
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has welcomed the central role that will be played by pharmacists in Ireland’s Covid-19 vaccination campaign. However, following the publication…
FIP expert group issues advice for pharmacists on Covid-19 tests
To help pharmacists advise people on Covid-19 tests, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has issued a guidance document produced by FIP’s SARS-CoV-2 Testing Working Group,…
Research shows that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the Irish Asian community
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin, the Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing (MISA), Department of Biochemistry at St James’s Hospital and the University of Surrey have…
New UL clinical research finds promising drug treatment to protect kidney function in diabetes
A clinical trial involving researchers at the University of Limerick has demonstrated the potential benefits of new drugs in protecting kidney function in diabetes. The…
Research finds common anticholinergic drugs increase risk of mortality in people with dementia
A study led by researchers from Queen’s University Belfast has found anticholinergic drugs significantly increase the risk of mortality in people with dementia. The research…
Queen’s leading clinical trial to examine drug effectiveness for critically-ill ICU patients
A new clinical trial led by Queen’s University Belfast will investigate different drugs for helping airway clearance in critically-ill patients who are on mechanical ventilators. …
Pharmacists welcome extension of free flu vaccine to 13-to-17 year-olds
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has welcomed the decision by Government to expand eligibility for the free nasal flu vaccine for children to include teenagers…
European Commission presents a pharmaceutical strategy for Europe
The European Commission has adopted a Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe to ensure patients have access to innovative and affordable medicines and to support the competitiveness,…
Pharmacists ‘must be involved in the development of digital health technologies’
The digital era is radically changing how technology is used, and new technologies are set to have major impacts on how people live and work,…
Extreme concern over lack of flu vaccines ‘debacle’
Pharmacists have urged the HSE to release any available flu vaccine supplies now, as they continue to have at-risk patients who have yet to receive…
Dangers of ‘fake news’ during the Covid-19 pandemic
New research from University College Cork has highlighted the dangers of misinformation in relation to the Covid-19 ‘infodemic’. The research, which has been published in…
Biologics increase Covid-19 infection risk but may protect psoriatic patients from ICU hospitalisation and death — study
Treatment with biologics increases the risk of Covid-19 infection in psoriatic patients but appears to protect them from ICU hospitalisation and death, according to the…
People urged not to present at pharmacies while awaiting Covid-19 test results
Pharmacists are increasingly concerned that people awaiting Covid-19 test results continue to present at pharmacies, and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is reiterating the HSE…
The EU ‘should consistently charge no VAT on medicine’
In a recent move, the European Commission has suggested to EU member states to exempt Covid-19 diagnostic medical devices, as well as a potential vaccine,…
‘Astonishing’ study results on uric acid and survival
Extreme values of serum uric acid levels in the blood can markedly reduce a patient’s chance of surviving and reduce their life spans by up…
Vitamin D supplementation ‘improves outcomes’ in cancer patients
A leading oncologist has stated recently that adequate levels of vitamin D helps to improve outcomes in patients undergoing chemotherapy, as well as helping to…
Antibiotic overuse ‘could cause the next global healthcare crisis’
With optimism growing for the potential of a Covid-19 vaccine, pharmacists are warning that overuse and misuse of antibiotics could lead to the next global…
FIP moves primary healthcare agenda in the European Region forward with new report
Needs in the European Region in order for pharmacy to deliver breakthroughs for better primary healthcare have been described in a report released by the…
Half of migraine sufferers not diagnosed for at least three years
A new Irish survey carried out by Empathy Research has provided further insights into the negative impact that migraine causes for a significant proportion of…
Robotic project used for Covid data could be extended in flu season
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…