As part of its antimicrobial prescribing series, NICE and Public Health England (PHE) have published new guidelines on the treatment of community-acquired (NG138) and hospital-acquired (NG139) pneumonia in adults and children. The two guidelines outline antimicrobial prescribing strategies for pneumonia that aim to optimise antibiotic …

PHE has published a prescribed medicines review that reports for the first time on the extent of dependence and withdrawal problems associated with commonly prescribed medicines in England and what can be done to address this.
 The review was commissioned in 2017 by the Minister for …

A recent meta-analysis of worldwide epidemiological evidence has indicated that the increased risk of breast cancer associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT; now often referred to as menopausal hormone therapy) is higher than previous estimates have suggested (Lancet 2019;394(102040):1159–68).
 The analysis, carried out by the Collaborative …

In a final appraisal determination, NICE has not recommended erenumab (Aimovig) for the prevention of migraine, confirming previous draft guidance.
Erenumab is a monoclonal antibody that works by binding to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors thus preventing the binding of CGRP – a neuropeptide believed to …

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published a new review of its previous published statements (from 2009 and 2011) on the supply and use of bevacizumab (Avastin) for intravitreal administration, clarifying its position on the licensing status of the medicine if used …

NICE has published an update to its guideline on the diagnosis and management of hypertension in adults (NG136). The new guidance replaces CG127, published in 2011.
The definition of hypertension in the new guidance is unchanged, for example Stage 1 hypertension is still defined as a …

Following a review of clinical and cost-effectiveness, NICE has published draft guidance for consultation on the use of cannabis-based medicinal products for treatment of nausea and vomiting, chronic pain, spasticity and epilepsy.
The guidance was fast-tracked following the UK government’s re-classification of cannabis-based medicinal products from …

NICE is consulting on draft guidance on the treatment of impetigo. The recommendations will form part of NICE and Public Health England’s series of antimicrobial prescribing guidelines, which offer evidence-based prescribing advice to help tackle antimicrobial resistance.
Impetigo is a superficial bacterial infection of the skin …

The European Commission has granted an extension to the indication of Fiasp (fast-acting insulin aspart). It is now approved for the treatment of diabetes in adolescents and children aged one year and above. Previously, it was licensed only for use in adults with diabetes (type …

NHS England has launched a new toolkit to support commissioners to improve services for patients with progressive neurological conditions.
The NHS RightCare Progressive Neurological Conditions Toolkit, which was developed in collaboration with NICE, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, the MS Society, the MS Trust, the Multiple …