A best-practice guide on the use of the potentially toxic drug methotrexate in primary care

Hypertension is a major risk factor for both cerebro- and cardiovascular disease (CVD) with no outward signs or symptoms.

A clinical photoguide for pharmacists on diabetic retinopathy - the most common cause of blindness in working adults

Type 2 diabetes is caused by impaired insulin secretion and insulin resistance. It is associated with excess body weight and physical inactivity.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) is terrifying – but passing blood by mouth or rectum is not necessarily sinister, and patients’ chances of recovery from peptic ulcer and varices have improved over the years as a result of advances in treatment.

In the final part of our guide to targeted MURs, Trudy Thomas reveals how to get the most from asthma and COPD consultations

The two major respiratory conditions, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the UK. According to recent data by Asthma UK, 4.3 million adults and 1.1 million children are being treated for asthma.

Part 7 in C+D's Tools for NMS and MURs series provides a wall chart to help pharmacy staff identify which patients groups are eligible for these two services and when they should alert the pharmacist

With targeted MURs launching in England in two weeks, Trudy Thomas looks at counselling patients with high risk medicines

One of the most common drug-related causes of hospital admissions is bleeding caused by inappropriate anticoagulation. Many patients may be confused by the advice that has been given and, as initially there may be no symptoms as a result of non-compliance, patients often find it harder to adhere to treatment, causing haemorrhage, stroke or thrombosis.

The new medicine service (NMS) will provide support to people newly prescribed a medicine by helping them to improve their medication adherence. This should lead to a reduction in medicines wastage, reduce medicines-related hospital admissions and improve quality of life for patients.

With targeted MURs launching in England in three weeks, Trudy Thomas looks at counselling patients discharged from hospital

Confused about targeted MURs? In the first part of our four-part guide, Trudy Thomas reveals the service’s details and the steps you need to take to be ready for the changes on October 1

This module sets out what the criteria are for you to provide the sevice, and give you an understanding of the purpose and background of the service, and the aims and intended outcomes of the service

This module sets out the service specification and all aspects of how to deliver the service effectively.

A five point guide to the setting the scene and using appropriate counselling skills to ensure you get the best results from NMS consultations, whether face-to-face or over the phone.

Essential counselling points for patients on newly prescribed medicines in the four NMS target areas of asthma and COPD, type 2 diabetes, anti coagulant therapy, and hypertension.