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Pain relief

Consider all the available options for pain management.

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Antidepressants prescribed for chronic pain despite ‘insufficient’ evidence

'Reliable evidence' for duloxetine but not other medicines prescribed for chronic pain

11 May 2023 , 1 Min Article

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Clinical refresher: Recognising red and yellow flags in patients on opioids

Humanity has used opioids for millennia – Sumerian clay tablets from about 3000 BC mention the opium poppy. It’s telling that we are still trying to find the most effective way to use them, says Mark Greener.

16 Feb 2023 , 6 Min Article

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Playing the long pain

From advice and signposting, to lending a sympathetic ear, there is plenty that pharmacy teams can do to support customers living with chronic pain.

10 Feb 2023 , 1 Min Article

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NSAID-anticoagulant risk highlighted

Co-prescribing NSAIDs and oral anticoagulants (OACs) trebles the risk of major and gastrointestinal bleeding and stroke, according to research from the University of Manchester.

19 Dec 2022 , 1 Min Article

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Exercise better than paracetamol for osteoarthritis, says NICE

'Regular and consistent exercise' is the first line treatment, says NICE.

04 May 2022 , 1 Min Article

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Tackling long term pain relief

How can pharmacy teams help those suffering from long-term chronic pain conditions?

21 Mar 2022 , 1 Min Article

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Getting a grip on opioid usage

When it comes to tackling the over-prescribing of opioids, growing NHS waiting lists may be undoing any good work.

24 Feb 2022 , 1 Min Article

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Clinical briefing: A new option for episodic migraine

PM clinical editor Mark Greener on the new NICE recommendations for fremanezumab.

11 Feb 2022 , 1 Min Article

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Medication madness?

Pharmacists should play a lead role in reducing the harmful effects of opioid use linked to chronic pain.

20 Aug 2021 , 6 Min Article

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MHRA reclassifies Nuromol from P to GSL

The decision will make it easier for patients to access the painkiller, says the regulator.

17 Aug 2021 , 1 Min Article

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Thinking ahead about migraine

Find out how pharmacy teams can support sufferers with prevention and management advice for migraine and help them take back control.

21 Jul 2021 , 5 Min Article

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NICE approves secukinumab for chronic pain condition

NICE has recommended the use of secukinumab as an option for treating a chronic back pain condition affecting young adults.

18 Jun 2021 , 1 Min Article

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MHRA consults on Nuromol P to GSL switch

The MHRA has launched a consultation on whether Nuromol should be available to patients without having to visit a pharmacy. 

14 May 2021 , 1 Min Article

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MHRA consults on Nuromol P to GSL switch

The MHRA has launched a consultation on whether Nuromol should be available to patients without having to visit a pharmacy. 

14 May 2021 , 1 Min Article

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When the drugs don't work

As the evidence stacks up against the use of opioids for chronic pain, there’s a clear role for community pharmacists in helping people.

09 Apr 2021 , 5 Min Article

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