JULY 2009

Update Module 1484: CVD Guide - Part 1   03/07/2009

Heart healthC+D's Heart Health Month kicks off with a look at the factors that can lead to cardiovascular disease to help you explain to patients the damage caused by an unhealthy lifestyle.


JUNE 2009

Update Module 1483: Eating disorders   25/06/2009

Eating disordersWith all the talk of obesity it's easy to forget the other problems people have with food. Asha Fowells describes the three offical categories of eating disorders.


Update Module 1482: Drug-induced skin reactions   19/06/2009

Drug-induced skin reactionsLearn how to differentiate normal skin complaints from those caused by medicines, and find out which drugs cause the most common reactions.


Update Module 1481: Management of cystic fibrosis   12/06/2009

Managing cystic fibrosisPart two of our series on cystic fibrosis looks at controlling symptoms, limiting damage to lungs and other organs, and achieving normal nutrition.


Update Module 1480: A guide to cystic fibrosis   05/06/2009

The first of a two-part guide, which provides an overview of this common genetic disorder, the prognosis for a child with CF and some of the likely health problems.


MAY 2009

Update Module 1479: MUR case studies 29/05/2009

This module consists of two case studies. Case 1: How do you treat a patient with OA and worsening asthma? Case 2: How do you treat a patient with RA suffering weight loss?

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Update Module 1478: Drug-induced pain disorders 21/05/2009

A number of POMs can cause pain as a side effect. This guide looks at the mechanisms of their action and how best this can be managed.

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Update Module 1477: Factors influencing prescribing   13/05/2009

PrescribingDiagnoses rarely indicate only one possible treatment. Dr Russell Greene MRPharmS explains the factors to consider when making prescribing decisions, from drug issues to patient response.


Update Module 1476: Food intolerance and allergy   08/05/2009

One in five Britons claims to have a food intolerance or allergyFood intolerance and allergy are often difficult to understand, so what advice can the pharmacist give - and who should be signposted to a GP or dietician?


Update Module 1475: Obesity management   30/04/2009

Obesity measurementsThis article looks at obesity and how it is measured, plus the drugs available on prescription and OTC.


APRIL 2009

Update Module 1474: Treatments for prostate cancer   23/04/2009

Prostate cancer treatmentIn the second of two articles on prostate cancer, we look at treatments, including prostatectomy, radiotherapy and drug treatment.


Update Module 1473: Prostate cancer   16/04/2009

Prostate cancer cellsIn the first of two articles, Update looks at the pathology and diagnosis of prostate cancer - the most common cancer to affect men in the UK.


Update Module 1472: Sexually transmitted infections   10/04/2009

chlamydiaSymptoms and treatment of the five most common sexually transmitted diseases: chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts, genital herpes and syphilis.


Update Module 1471: Gallbladder problems   03/04/2009

The majority of patients with gallstones remain asymptomatic but for some it can be very painful. This update article covers symptoms and diagnosis as well as treatment and advice.


MARCH 2009

UPDATE MODULE 1470: Drugs that affect the GI tract   25/03/2009

Drugs that affect the GI tractSymptoms affecting the GI tract are commonly presented to community pharmacists but how can you determine whether it is an ADR, and what treatment can you offer to help?


Update Module 1469: Cold sores   19/03/2009

Cold soresA pharmacist's guide to herpes labialis, covering the cause of infection, symptoms and how treatments work.


UPDATE MODULE 1468: CANCER TREATMENT - THE THEORY   11/03/2009

Cancer cellIn this article we look at how cancer cells are produced and how they are targeted by various treatments, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy.


UPDATE MODULE 1467: REDUCING THE RISK OF FALLS   04/03/2009

The risk of fallsWhich drugs are most likely to cause falls in elderly patients and why? What can pharmacists do to help? Find out in this Update module.


FEBRUARY 2009

UPDATE MODULE 1466: ALLERGIES AT HOME AND WORK   24/02/2009

Dust miteWhat are the causes of allergic reactions at home and in the workplace? What treatments and advice should you give to patients?


UPDATE MODULE 1465: HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES 20/02/2009

Practical ApproachAlan Nathan looks at hormonal contraceptive issues pharmacists need to consider, particularly if the pill becomes universally available off prescription.

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UPDATE MODULE 1464: REPORTING ADRs - WHY BOTHER?   10/02/2009

Yellow CardIn the first in a series on how to spot adverse drug reactions,  Professor Janet Krska concentrates on the importance of reporting.


Update Module 1463: Dealing with immune problems   06/02/2009

VirusThe second part of our series on the immune system looks at the drugs used to enhance immunity and those used to suppress immune reactions.


JANUARY 2009

Update Module 1462: How the immune system works   30/01/2009

In the first of two articles on the immune system, we look at protection against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, and how the immune system can go wrong and cause disease.


Update Module 1461: Managing osteoporosis   23/01/2009

OsteoporosisLearn about the risk factors, monitoring and treatments for osteoporosis to help your patients make the most of the drugs used to maintain bone strength.


Update Module 1460: Treating painful ears and throats   14/01/2009

A pharmacist's guide to managing the common symptoms of painful ears and throats and advice on suitable treatments.


Update Module 1459: What’s new in type 2 diabetes?   09/01/2009

Update diabetesNew treatments can bring advantages in diabetes management compared with established blood glucose lowering drugs, but there are also side effects and complications to consider.


DECEMBER

Update Module 1458: The management of gout   17/12/2008

Christmas can be a bad time for gout sufferers. This article covers the symptoms and causes, explains who is at risk and also looks at the tests, treatments and lifestyle changes.


Update: An increasing duty of care   10/12/2008

Professional standards are constantly being raised and changed. In the third in a series on professionalism, Joy Wingfield shows that much more is now expected of pharmacists.


Update: Tackling the effects of alcohol 04/12/2008

As the festive season approaches, we look at the long term effects of drinking and different types of alcohol abuse. Read the article or download the podcast.

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NOVEMBER

Update Module 1457: Effective epilepsy management   28/11/2008

Update disco ballThis article covers the drugs available for treatment, the types of seizures they can treat and side effects, as well as advice on the pharmacist's role in epilepsy management.


Update: Epilepsy, diagnosis and symptoms 20/11/2008

ePILEPSYIn the first of two articles on epilepsy, Jennifer Richardson describes the incidence, diagnosis and types of seizure.

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Update module 1456: How to treat childhood infections 13/11/2008

Asha Fowells outlines how to distinguish between and treat six common childhood infections: measles, chickenpox, rubella, mumps, whooping cough and meningitis

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Update 1455: Managing pregnancy problems   06/11/2008

From abdominal pain to gestational diabetes, Paul Rutter looks at how to treat the 20 conditions most often seen in pregnant women.


Update: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)  

Update - Seasonal affective disorderNovember heralds a miserable few months for some. But how can you distinguish depressive symptoms from winter blues, and what should you recommend?


OCTOBER

Update module 1454: What you need to know about EHC   24/10/2008

Update: EHCFrom moral issues to religious objections, this article covers everything you need to know about when you can and can't supply emergency hormonal contraception.


Update Module 1453: OTC non-steroidals  

Oral diclofenac and naproxen are now available OTC from pharmacies, but do you know how OTC NSAIDs compare against each other in terms of effectiveness?


Update Module 1452: Drugs in transplantation   08/10/2008

Survival rates are excellent after transplants, but immunosuppression is not without risk. Caroline Ashley examines issues surrounding doses, side effects and interactions.


Update: Hypothyroidism  

Low mood, confusion and dry skin can all be symptoms of old age, but they can also indicate hypothyroidism. Mary Allen highlights the problems of diagnosis and shows how an MUR can help.


SEPTEMBER

Update module 1451: Coeliac disease

New methods of diagnosis mean you could be seeing more patients with coeliac disease. Find out more about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. 

 

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Update Module 1450: Pituitary hormone imbalances

 

This article covers the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of three pituitary conditions – growth hormone (GH) deficiency, acromegaly and diabetes insipidus.

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Update: Ethics – Protecting Patients

Joy Wingfield discusses the ethical issues around repeat dispensing and working with professionals whose decisions might be at fault.

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Update Module 1449: Erectile Dysfunction

Ten years after the launch of Pfizer's Viagra, Mark Greener looks at treatments for erectile dysfunction.

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AUGUST

Update Module 1448: Tuberculosis

Rob Finch reports on the current thinking on the management of a highly infectious disease

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Update Module 1447: Headache

Alan Nathan describes OTC treatment of the most common of all headache symptoms that patients are likely to present with at a pharmacy.

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Doping in sport

With the Olympics in full swing, this article explains the controversies and which medicines are legitimate.

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Update: The internet - a serious tool for pharmacy?

Gavin Atkin explores the internet in search of the essential websites to help you with your CPD.

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Update: Milk formulas for infants

Judy More offers a guide to milk formulas: why there are so many and how they differ

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JULY

Update Module 1446: Pituitary Disorders

Alison Milne looks at the effects of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland and two of their disorders

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Update Module 1445: Treating scalp conditions

Counterprescribing for common scalp conditions that pharmacists are likely to encounter.

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Update: Scalp problems – a picture guide 10/07/2008

Can you identify and differentiate common scalp problems? Dr Nigel Stollery provides an overview in this picture guide.

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Update Module 1444: Anxiety disorders   03/07/2008

In the final article in this series on psychiatric medicines, Stuart Gill-Banham explains at what stage anxiety is considered a disease and the methods used to treat it.


JUNE

Module 1443: The Elderly - Common Problems   25/06/2008

The latest in a series of picture guides by Dr Nigel Stollery considers skin and eye conditions that are likely to affect elderly patients.


Module 1442: Deciphering blood tests   19/06/2008

This article lists five of the most commonly requested blood tests in primary care, and what they mean for patients.


Update: Professionalism and duty of care 12/06/2008

In the first of a series of articles on ethics, Joy Wingfield considers the repercussions of prescribing errors.

 

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Module 1441: Dementia   05/06/2008

The fourth part in our series on mental health looks at the four most common types of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and the drugs used in its management.


MAY

Update: Childhood obesity 30/05/2008

Zoe Smeaton looks at the incidence, causes and management of childhood obesity and describes a scheme set up to help.

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Module 1440: Oral problems   22/05/2008

A pictorial guide to oral problems to help you distinguish conditions you might treat with OTC medicines from those that should be referred.


Update: Climate change 14/05/2008

Emma Wilkinson asks how the expected change in the UK's climate will impact on the nation's health.

 

 

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Module 1439: Bipolar Disorder   09/05/2008

Update your knowledge of the drugs used in bipolar disorder, their precautions and how they should be monitored.

 


Module 1438: Insect bites and stings 02/05/2008

With summer on the way, C+D looks at OTC treatments for bites and stings from common insects and jellyfish, as well as possible future methods of drug delivery through the skin.

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APRIL

Module 1437: Renal anaemia 24/04/2008

 

 Caroline Ashley describes the features and treatment of anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease

 

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Module 1436: Travel vaccinations 16/04/2008

An overview of vaccinations that might be recommended to travellers planning overseas trips.

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Module 1435: Sports injuries 10/04/2008

Jill Peaston looks at some common sports injuries, with advice on treatment and prevention

 

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Update: incontinence 03/04/2008

Gavin Atkin explores the incidence and types of urinary incontinence, and management of the condition.

 

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MARCH

Module 1434: Schizophrenia   28/03/2008

The second in our mental health series reviews the symptoms and management of schizophrenia.


Update: issues in palliative care   20/03/2008

 

The prescribing of drugs used in palliative care, and particularly the use of PRN medication.

 


Module 1433: Teething Trouble   13/03/2008

This article looks at the products listed within the Dental Practitioners' Formulary and how they are used to treat common mouth conditions.


Update: chronic wounds 06/03/2008

Sarah Cockbill looks at the main types of chronic wounds, their causes, and the principles of healing

 

 

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Module 1432: A burning issue 28/02/2008

The latest article in the Pharmacy Update series considers the causes, symptoms and OTC management of indigestion.

 

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FEBRUARY

Module 1431: A pressing problem 21/02/2008

Effective treatment and patient compliance means a glaucoma diagnosis doesn’t always equal sight loss

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Module 1430: Guide to sleep disturbance 14/02/2008

Alan Nathan looks at the insomnia's features, and its pharmacological and non-drug treatments.

 

 

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Module 1429: Nail Problems - A Picture Guide   07/02/2008

A picture guide to some common nail problems and their treatment.


Pharmacist's guide to virology 31/01/2008

This article looks at common viral diseases, their causes and the treatments available

 

 

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JANUARY 2008

Module 1428: Dealing with depression 23/01/2008

The first in a series of articles on recognising symptoms of depression and outlining how the condition is managed with both drug and non-drug treatment.

 

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Update: Foot conditions   16/01/2008

This week's article presents a picture guide to the appearance of some common and less common foot conditions.