nMRCGP - Make sure you can ace the AKT
Dr Chris Elfes gives a trainer's perspective on how to pass the applied knowledge test. Read more
News
Statins to receive safety guidance
25-Jul-08
Safety warnings will be added to statin packaging and to information sent to GPs from this autumn, says the MHRA.
Warnings about depression, sleep disturbances, memory loss and sexual problems will be published, although no exact date has been confirmed.
Last month, GP reported that GPs were set to abandon NICE guidance on lowering cholesterol levels amid concerns over possible statin side-effects (GP, 6 June).
The guidance recommended GPs aim for targets of 4mmol/l for total cholesterol and 2mmol/l for LDL cholesterol for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) using 80mg simvastatin.
Dorset GP Dr Graham Archard, who has an interest in CVD, warned: 'If you double up the dose of simvastatin you do not get much more lipid lowering but a lot more side-effects. These can include sleeplessness, lethargy and a feeling of being unwell.'
Comment below and tell us what you think
Tools
Healthcare Republic Forums
Hottest Topics
Registrar
nMRCGP exam update - Evidence for aspirin use
Contributed by Dr Louise Newson, a GP in the West Midlands. Read more
RCGP curriculum - Introducing the GP curriculum
Dr Ben Riley and Dr Jayne Haynes explain what the curriculum is and why it is necessary. Read more
Latest Clinical Articles
Clincal Review: Gout
Contributed by Dr Richard Stevens, consultant rheumatologist, Buckinghamshire Hospitals. Read more
Altitude-related illness
Contributed by Dr Matthew Litchfield, GP, Nottingham and Dr James Milledge, retired consultant respi... Read more
Clinical Review - Subfertility in women
Contributed by Mr David Walker, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Royal United Hospit... Read more
MIMS Product News
New drug - Relistor
Wyeth has launched Relistor (methylnaltrexone bromide) for the treatment of opioid-induced constipat... Read more
Thalidomide available in the UK
Thalidomide, under the name of Thalidomide Pharmion is now commercially available in the UK. Read more
MMR catch-up programme
The DoH has written to healthcare professionals to call for urgent action to help reduce the risk of... Read more
Jobs
Job of the Week
- Locum GPs wanted North East England
- Full Time Salaried GP Yorkshire and Humberside
- Part-time GP vacancy East of England
- GP Locums Central London
- Locum GPs for summer work in Christchurch NZ Australasia
- Part Time Partner/Salaried GP West Midlands
- Full Time GP Partner South East England
- Salaried GP with a view to partnership North West England
- Prison Secure Health GPs East of England
- Partnership North West England
Comments
Only registered users may comment. Log in now or register for a free account.