DTB podcast

In this podcast accompanying the May issue (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/5) of DTB, David Phizackerley (DTB Editor) welcomes Syba Sunny (DTB Clinical Editor) to the podcast. Syba provides an overview of her role with DTB, discusses her previous work as a Consultant Microbiologist and talks about areas of interest for future DTB articles.  The editorial (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/5/66) discusses a paper in The BMJ which proposed offering a polypill containing rosuvastatin, hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine and losartan to all people in the UK over the age of 50 years to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A DTB Select item (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/5/68) summarises the results of  a small study that assessed whether cytisinicline (cytisine) plus behavioural support was more effective than behavioural support alone for vaping cessation. The main article (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/5/74) is the first of two articles on the medical management of ADHD and there will be a longer discussion and an interview with the author in the June podcast.   Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page. If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast recorded in early March, David Phizackerley (DTB Editor-in-Chief) and James Cave (DTB Editor-in-Chief Emeritus) provide an overview of the April 2025 issue of DTB. The editorial discusses concerns over the use of feminist empowerment messages to sell tests and treatments. A DTB Select item summarises the results of an observational study that assessed the association between initiation of a triptan and the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. The main article provides an overview of initiating angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-II receptor antagonists in adults with CKD, highlighting current guideline recommendations and providing a practical approach to dealing with the challenges associated with their use.   Links Health Innovation Network: https://thehealthinnovationnetwork.co.uk/news/launch-of-new-game-changing-guide-to-tackle-overprescribing-and-support-governments-shifts-to-prevention-and-community/    Tackling overprescribing report: https://thehealthinnovationnetwork.co.uk//wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Health-Innovation-Network-Polypharmacy-Guide-Feb-2025.pdf    GP Evidence: (https://gpevidence.org/)   Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page. If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast recorded in early February, David Phizackerley and Julian Treadwell (DTB Associate Editor) provide an overview of the March 2025 issue of DTB. Julian talks about his work as an academic GP based at Bristol University. He explains why and how he developed the GP Evidence website (https://gpevidence.org/) as a resource for health professionals to use as part of a shared decision making process, and talks about the importance of providing patients with information on the absolute benefits and harms of different treatment options for long-term conditions.   The editorial discusses a paper published in The Lancet on the population-health impact of new drugs recommended by NICE and highlights the tension between NICE's role in ensuring that treatments are a cost-effective use of taxpayers' money and its role in championing the for-profit life-sciences - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/3/34. A DTB Select item summarises safety alerts issued by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency on liver problems associated with fezolinetant (▼Veoza), a drug licensed for the treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms associated with the menopause - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/3/36. The main article provides an overview of systemic anticancer treatments and conventional cytotoxic drugs - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/3/37.   Links GP Evidence (https://gpevidence.org/)   Naci H, Murphy P, Woods B, et al. Population-health impact of new drugs recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England during 2000–20: a retrospective analysis. The Lancet 2025;405:50–60. (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)02352-3/fulltext)    Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page. If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast recorded in early January, David Phizackerley provides a brief overview of the February 2025 issue of DTB. The editorial discusses the importance of shared decision making and calls on guideline developers to produce patient decision aids to accompany their guidance - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/2/18. A DTB Select item summarises a study that evaluated implementation of NHS England's type 2 diabetes path to remission programme -  https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/2/19. The authors of a DTB Commentary article review a UK primary care study which reported that treatment with antihypertensive medicines in older people with complex health needs was associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and a short-term increased risk of falls - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/2/20. The main article explores the evidence for gefapixant in the treatment of refractory or unexplained chronic cough in adults - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/2/22.   Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page. If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast recorded in early December, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the January 2025 issue of DTB. They provide an overview of the editorial that questions whether it is time for the medicine Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) to include information on the impact of a medicine on clinical outcomes - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/1/2. They talk about a recent announcement from the Irish College of GPs that it is phasing out sponsorship from pharmaceutical companies as evidence suggests that ‘engagement between pharmaceutical companies and prescribers is associated with inappropriately increased prescribing rates, lower prescribing quality and increased prescription costs' - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/1/3. The main article provides an overview of Ryeqo (relugolix, estradiol and norethisterone acetate) for the treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/1/6. The podcast ends with a farewell to James, who is stepping down as Editor-in-Chief after more than 12 years. James reflects on his time as a doctor, GP and Editor of DTB.   Other links: Is ASCOT all it's cracked up to be? https://www.bmj.com/content/331/7523/1023.1 Don't lose your head over ASCOT https://www.bmj.com/content/331/7523/1022.1

In this podcast recorded in early November, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the December issue of DTB. They provide an overview of the editorial that discusses the need to record the sex and gender of all participants in clinical trials and the importance of recognising diversity and inclusivity in clinical research - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/12/178. They talk about a commentary article that addresses claims made in a systematic review that menopausal HT may support neurological function and reduce the risk of Alzeheimer's disease - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/12/179. The main article provides an overview of daridorexant for the management of chronic sleep - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/12/183. They begin by providing an update on the NICE guidance for tirzepatide and highlighting the publication of a toolkit for repeat prescribing in general practice.   Other related links NICE guidance on tirzepatide: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/gid-ta11156/documents/html-content-10 Repeat prescribing toolkit: https://www.rpharms.com/resources/repeat-prescribing-toolkit

In this podcast recorded in early October, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the November issue of DTB. They provide an overview of the editorial that discusses the need to support people taking drugs to help with weight loss: "Providing the drug is only one part of the process and if the other elements are not available to support people with obesity the full benefits of these expensive treatments will not be realised" - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/11/162. They talk about the results of an observational study that assessed the risk of major bleeds with concomitant use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and oral anticoagulants -  https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/11/164. The main article discusses equity of care in the management of COPD and that those more at risk of COPD are also more likely to experience barriers to care - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/11/165. They begin by highlighting two articles* in the BMJ that consider the problem of conflicts of interest.   *Fabbri A, Grundy Q. Protecting early career physicians from commercial influence. BMJ. 2024 Sep 9;386:q1939. (https://www.bmj.com/content/386/bmj.q1939) McCartney M. Transparency as a means to conquer conflicts of interest is illusory. BMJ. 2024 Sep 24;386:q2092. (https://www.bmj.com/content/386/bmj.q2092)   Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page. If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast recorded in early September, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the October issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial that highlights the work of the Common Sense in Oncology movement and its aim "to counteract the trend towards irrational, industry-designed, profit-driven cancer drug development" - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/10/146. They talk about the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis of two randomised controlled trials that assessed the effect of treating people who have device-detected subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) with a direct oral anticoagulant - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/10/147. The main article discusses the management of hypertension in older people - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/10/149. They begin by highlighting an article* that considers the challenges associated with the introduction of new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. *Walsh S, Merrick R, Milne R, et al. Considering challenges for the new Alzheimer's drugs: clinical, population, and health system perspectives. Alzheimers Dement. 2024. doi: 10.1002/alz.14108. [Epub ahead of print 4 Aug 2024]. https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.14108 Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page. If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast recorded in early August, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the September issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/9/130) that highlights some of the challenges associated with NHS England's national medicines optimisation measures for Integrated Care Boards. They talk about the MHRA's recent safety alert on the risk of an interaction between tramadol and warfarin (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/9/131), which was prompted by a coroner's prevention of future deaths report (summarised in a DTB article in March https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/3/36). The main article reviews the evidence for icosapent ethyl for cardiovascular risk reduction (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/9/135).   Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page. If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast recorded in early July, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) continue to ignore political and sporting events and talk about the August issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial that highlights the growth in the use of psychotropic medication in children and young people and some of the challenges associated with this trend. They talk about a study that assessed the harms of changing frail older people with AF from warfarin to a DOAC. The main article is an overview of the evidence for fezolinetant for the treatment of menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

In this podcast recorded in early June, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) ignore the UK general election, the T20 cricket world cup and the European football championship and talk about the July 2024 issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial that highlights trial data showing that dupilumab had a modest effect on reducing COPD exacerbations, and question whether more drugs or greater investment in pulmonary rehabilitation and smoking cessation services are a better use of resources. They review a coroner's prevention of future deaths report that highlights the need to raise awareness of the dangers of propranolol overdose. The main article discusses the management of exacerbations of COPD in primary care.   Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page. If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.  

In this podcast recorded in early May, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the June 2024 issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial that highlights changes to the use of gonadal and fetal shielding for diagnostic imaging (see link). They review the results of a study that assessed the benefit of antibiotics for treating acute sinusitis in children aged 2-11 years.  The main article considers the evidence for ritlecitinib, a Janus kinase enzyme inhibitor that is licensed for the treatment of severe alopecia areata in adults and adolescents aged ≥12 years. They begin the podcast by discussing newspaper headlines generated by an international conference on obesity. Link https://www.bir.org.uk/education-and-events/patient-shielding-guidance.aspx Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast recorded in early April, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the May 2024 issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial that highlights the effect medicines have on greenhouse gas emissions and the need to consider the environmental impact of all aspects of the patient care pathway​ (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/5/66). They review the results of a study that assessed the effect of donanemab on early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease​ (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/5/67). The main article considers the evidence for cytisine, a nicotine receptor partial agonist, that has recently been licensed to facilitate quitting smoking​ (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/5/71). They begin by highlighting some useful resources relating to the safe use of valproate.   Other links: https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/sodium-valproate/  https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/decision-support-tool-is-valproate-the-right-epilepsy-treatment-for-me/ https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/valproate-safety-measures https://www.gov.uk/guidance/valproate-use-by-women-and-girls   Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.  

In this podcast recorded in early March, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the April 2024 issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial that questions whether drug safety alerts are effective in changing practice and whether more needs to be done to implement safety recommendations (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/4/50). They review the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's latest risk minimisation measures for using valproate, which include a guide for healthcare professionals, a guide for patients, an annual risk acknowledgement form and an information card for patients (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/4/53). The main article considers the evidence for a new progestogen only pill containing drospirenone (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/4/55). They begin by discussing recent concerns over neuropsychiatric reactions associated with montelukast. Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast recorded in early February, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the March 2024 issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial highlighting the important work that the founders of The Medical Letter, Worst Pills, Best Pills and Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin did to scrutinise the safety of medicines and the need to challenge the processes by which medicines are licensed, appraised, commissioned and promoted. They review a coroner's Prevention of Future Deaths report that highlighted an interaction between tramadol and warfarin. They also talk about a study that compared the emergency contraceptive efficacy of levonorgestrel plus piroxicam with levonorgestrel plus placebo. The main article considers the effectiveness of low or very low calorie diets in achieving remission of type 2 diabetes.   Link Mathew R. Prescribing isn't a single act—getting it right requires time and effort. BMJ 2024;384:q279 (https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj.q279) Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast recorded in early January, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the February 2024 issue of DTB. They discuss the editorial that highlights problems associated with shortages of ADHD medicines.  They talk about two safety alerts issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency that focus on the adverse effects of fluoroquinolone antibiotics on physical and mental health.  The main article considers various NHS initiatives that have attempted to limit primary care prescribing of drugs that are deemed to have limited clinical value. They begin the podcast with sad news of the death of Dr Sidney Wolfe (1937-2024), a colleague and friend who co-founded the US Health Research Group and Public Citizen (a nonprofit consumer advocacy organisation) and who was "a towering public health leader and an unparalleled consumer champion".    Links Remembering Sid Wolfe: https://www.citizen.org/remembering-sidney-wolfe/ Mandatory disclosure of all pharmaceutical and medical device companies' payments to healthcare providers: learning from the US: https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/4/52 Worst Pills, Best Pills: https://www.citizen.org/topic/safe-affordable-drugs-devices/worst-pills-best-pills/ Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast recorded in BMA House in December, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the January 2024 issue of DTB. They discuss continuity of care in general practice and the benefits it offers (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/1/2). They discuss a safety alert issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency that highlights a very small number of reports of new-onset or aggravation of pre-existing myasthenia gravis associated with statins (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/1/4). The main article is an overview of the management of acne (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/62/1/6). They begin the podcast by providing a brief update on the results of a trial that assessed the effect of semaglutide on cardiovascular outcomes in people aged ≥45 years with cardiovascular disease (but not diabetes) and a BMI ≥27 kg/m2 (plot spoiler: make sure you know your ARRs from your RRRs). Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the December 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss monitoring drugs in primary care and the need to rationalise the number of blood tests undertaken (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/12/178). They talk about a study that reported the effect of bempedoic acid on a composite cardiovascular outcome (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/12/180). The main article is a review of semaglutide as an option for weight management and discusses the evidence for its use and some of the hype that has surrounded the its launch (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/12/182). They begin by responding to a listener's complaint about terminology.   Related link: Aronson JK. When I use a word . . . Medicines regulation—apothecaries, quacks, chemists, druggists, pharmacists. BMJ 2023;383:p2603. https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj.p2603    Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the November 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss the history of the BNF and the announcement that the 86th edition of the BNF and the 2023–2024 edition of the BNF for Children will be the last print issues to be purchased by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for the NHS in England (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/11/162 and https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/11/166). They talk about a retrospective review of a case series of UK coroners' Reports to Prevent Future Deaths that found that around one in five reports involved a medicine (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/11/165). The main article provides an introduction to pharmacogenetics (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/11/168). They begin by responding to a listener's email.   Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the October 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss NHS prescription charges in England and the impact they have on people with long-term ill health (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/10/146). They talk about a study that assessed the incidence of retinopathy associated with hydroxychloroquine (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/10/148). The main article discusses intravenous vitamins and reviews the evidence for their use for serious medical conditions and the evidence for their use in the absence of a specific vitamin deficiency or medical condition (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/10/151).    The latest issue of Australian Prescriber mentioned in thia podcast is available from https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/.   Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the September 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss concerns over redacted data in NICE appraisal documents (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/9/130). They review a placebo-controlled study that assessed the use of spironolactone for women with acne (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/9/132). The main article explores anticholinergic burden and the risk of cognitive decline, dementia and increased mortality associated with long-term use of drugs with anticholinergic activity (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/9/135). Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the August 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in the management of asthma (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/8/114). They review a study that assessed the use of H. pylori eradication in people taking low-dose aspirin (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/8/116). The main article explores the evidence for the use of finerenone for CKD associated with type 2 diabetes (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/8/120). Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the July 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss evidence-based medicine, access to evidence and increasing use of press releases and social media to present evidence (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/7/98). They talk about the safety of isotretinoin (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/7/99) and review a study that assessed the accuracy of conflict of interest statements in clinical guidelines (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/7/100). The main review article explores the evidence for cardiac and renal effects of SGLT2 inhibitors (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/7/103). They begin by discussing the impact of the shortage of Utrogestan.

In a series of podcasts to mark the 60th anniversary of DTB, we talk to some of DTB's Editorial Board members and other colleagues about their work and their involvement with DTB. In this podcast, David Phizackerley (DTB deputy editor) talks to Barbara Mintzes (DTB associate editor)  who is Associate Professor at the School of Pharmacy and Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney, where she has worked since 2015.  Her background is in epidemiology and the main focus of her work is on pharmaceutical policy, including the effects of direct-to-consumer advertising and physician-directed promotion on medicine use. Barbara talks about her interest in medicines policies, the impact of pharmaceutical and medical device company payments to clinicians, medicalisation of normal life, medicine safety scandals and the impact on those who have been harmed by medicines with a particular focus on women's health.   Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). If you want to contact us please email dtb@bmj.com. Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the June 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss new guidelines on post-exposure prophylaxis for varicella or shingles during pregnancy (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/6/82). They review the effect of low-dose aspirin on fractures and falls (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/6/85), and talk about a study that does not provide meaningful cardiovascular outcome data for inclisiran (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/6/86). The main review article explores hospitalisation as a consequence of medication-related harm and the need to reduce the burden of harm caused by medication (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/6/87). They begin by discussing an announcement from NHS England that antibiotics will be provided without the need for a prescription from community pharmacies to free up GP time. The contact address for the DTB team is dtb@bmj.com. Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the June 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss new guidelines on post-exposure prophylaxis for varicella or shingles during pregnancy (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/6/82). They review the effect of low-dose aspirin on fractures and falls (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/6/85), and talk about a study that does not provide meaningful cardiovascular outcome data for inclisiran (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/6/86). The main review article explores hospitalisation as a consequence of medication-related harm and the need to reduce the burden of harm caused by medication (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/6/87). They begin by discussing an announcement from NHS England that antibiotics will be provided without the need for a prescription from community pharmacies to free up GP time. The contact address for the DTB team is dtb@bmj.com. Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the May 2023 issue of DTB. They celebrate 60 years since DTB became independent from The Medical Letter and discuss what DTB stands for (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/5/66). They review a retrospective cohort study involving people taking oral anticoagulants that compared the risk of bleeding and embolic events in new users of NSAIDs with those not prescribed NSAIDs (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/5/67). They also talk about the main review article that explores the therapeutics of siRNA medicines (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/5/72). They begin by discussing the UK Government's recent Budget statement that the MHRA will introduce a new approval process for medicines that have been licensed elsewhere.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the April 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss evidence around morning and evening doses of antihypertensive medication (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/4/50). They review a study that analysed health technology assessment decisions made in Australia, Canada and England (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/4/51) and also talk about managing skin conditions in women who are planning pregnancy or who are pregnant (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/4/55). They begin by responding to a listener's letter about last month's podcast. The Prescribing for pregnancy series of articles can be found here: https://dtb.bmj.com/pages/prescribing-for-pregnancy-series/

In a series of podcasts to mark the 60th anniversary of DTB, we talk to some of DTB's Editorial Board members and other colleagues about their work and their involvement with DTB. In this podcast, recorded May 2022, David Phizackerley (DTB's deputy editor) talks to Joanna Girling who is a consultant in obstetric medicine in north London and has been involved with DTB since 2006. Joanna talks about her clinical work, her role with establishing the local maternity network and her involvement in research. She also talks about supporting women who have pre-existing medical conditions and who are pregnant or who are planning pregnancy and the importance of checking that they are on the most appropriate medicines. The contact address for the DTB team is dtb@bmj.com. Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listenin

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the March 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss incorrect penicillin allergy labels and ways that these can be corrected (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/3/34). They review clinical trial results for lecanameb in early Alzheimer's disease (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/3/37) and also talk about a new combined oral contraceptive that contains estetrol and drospirenone (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/3/39). They begin by discussing a proposal from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to lower the threshold for offering statins for primary prevention. The contact address for the DTB team is dtb@bmj.com. Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the February 2023 issue of DTB. They discuss concerns over a national initiative in England to transfer people with atrial fibrillation to edoxaban from other DOACs (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/2/18). They review a study that examined whether the correct dose of DOAC was used in people with renal impairment (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/2/21). They talk about the use of empagliflozin in people with heart failure (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/2/22) and finish with an overview of an article that discusses prescribing for pregnancy for those with inflammatory rheumatic disease (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/2/24). 60th anniversary interview with Dr John Dowden: https://soundcloud.com/bmjpodcasts/dtb-60th-anniversary-podcast-interview-john-dowden Trends in direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) prescribing in English primary care (2014–2019): https://heart.bmj.com/content/109/3/195 The contact address for the DTB team is dtb@bmj.com. Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening.

In a series of podcasts to mark the 60th anniversary of DTB, we talk to some of DTB's Editorial Board members and other colleagues about their work and their involvement with DTB. In this podcast, David Phizackerley (DTB's deputy editor) talks to Dr John Dowden, the editor of Australian Prescriber since 1990. Australian Prescriber (https://www.nps.org.au/australian-prescriber) is an independent peer-reviewed journal providing critical commentary on drugs and therapeutics for health professionals, and like DTB, Australian Prescriber was a founder member of the International Society of Drug Bulletins. At the time of recording, John highlighted that public funding for NPS Medicinewise (https://www.nps.org.au/), the organisation that publishes Australian Prescriber, was under threat and unfortunately the Australian Government withdrew funding and the organisation closed at the end of December. John and his team were made redundant, and the future of Australian Prescriber is uncertain. We wrote an editorial that criticises the decision to remove funding from NPS Medicinewise and you can find this in the January 2023 issue of DTB (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/1/2). This special series of the DTB Podcast is produced by Letícia Amorim and edited by Brian O'Toole. Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the January 2023 issue of DTB. They begin with another reminder of the concerns over the use of sodium valproate. They talk about the closure of NPS MedicineWise in Australia and the uncertainty over the future of Australian Prescriber - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/1/2. They highlight the risk of eye problems with dupilumab - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/1/6 (see more links below) and the challenge of making sure that primary care clinical systems record drugs prescribed by specialists. They discuss toxocarosis in humans and the risk of environmental contamination from parasiticides used for deworming cats and dogs (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/1/3 and https://dtb.bmj.com/content/61/1/7). Dupilumab links: 1. Reji MA, Haque A, Goyal S, et al. Dupilumab-induced ocular surface disease: a primer. BMJ Case Reports CP 2022;15:e249019. https://casereports.bmj.com/content/15/4/e249019 2. Nahum Y, Mimouni M, Livny E, et al. Dupilumab-induced ocular surface disease (DIOSD) in patients with atopic dermatitis: clinical presentation, risk factors for development and outcomes of treatment with tacrolimus ointment. British Journal of Ophthalmology 2020;104:776-9. https://bjo.bmj.com/content/104/6/776 The contact address for the DTB team is dtb@bmj.com. Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the December 2022 issue of DTB. They discuss cognitive changes that have been reported during the menopause and whether there is a role for MHT (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/12/178). They highlight an observational study that found an association between the use of sodium-containing paracetamol and cardiovascular events (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/12/181), and talk about the evidence for increasing the dose of vedolizumab in IBD (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/12/183). They begin the podcast by talking about their top three highlights from 2022. The contact address for the DTB team is dtb@bmj.com. Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening.

In a series of podcasts to mark the 60th anniversary of DTB, we talk to some of DTB's Editorial Board members and other colleagues about their work and their involvement with DTB. In this podcast, David Phizackerley (DTB's deputy editor) talks to Dr Jo Congleton, who is a consultant in Integrated Respiratory Care in Brighton and Hove. She is also clinical lead for the Kent, Surrey, Sussex Academic Health and Science Network (AHSN) Respiratory Programme. Her interests are in chronic respiratory conditions (particularly COPD) and reducing both variation, and inequalities, in care. This special series of the DTB Podcast is produced by Leticia Amorim. Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the November 2022 issue of DTB. They discuss the use of faecal microbiota transplantation to treat gastrointestinal infections and in particular its role in managing Clostridioides difficile infection (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/11/162). They highlight a study that assessed the effect of interrupting methotrexate treatment on COVID-19 booster vaccine response (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/11/163) and review a new drug that is licensed for treatment of patients aged 4 to 17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/11/166). The podcast begins with the editors talking about the response to October's editorial "Stop advertising". Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the October 2022 issue of DTB. They discuss whether the language used in announcements from organisations such as NHS England, NICE and the MHRA regarding new medicines is appropriate and highlight concerns that some press releases are at risk of promoting POMs to the public (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/10/146). They review a study that assessed the effect that regular doses of paracetamol had on blood pressure (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/10/147) and talk about an article that discusses the role played over the past 20 years by groups, organisations and individuals that have been critical of the pharmaceutical industry (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/10/151). Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the September 2022 issue of DTB. They discuss a new national guideline on the management of gout (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/9/130). They highlight a safety update on the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency with metformin (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/9/131) and provide an overview of a study that analysed the way countries across Europe report payments made by pharmaceutical companies to healthcare professionals (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/9/135). They end the podcast with a discussion on the evidence for carbetocin in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/9/136). The contact address for the DTB team is dtb@bmj.com. Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) talk about the August 2022 issue of DTB. They discuss progress in reducing use of psychotropic medications in adults and children with a learning disability, autism or both (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/8/114). They also provide an overview of a study that assessed the effect of deprescribing antihypertensive medication in older people (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/8/118) and talk about a national safety alert relating to amiodarone (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/8/116). They end the podcast with a discussion on the evidence for the lipid-lowering drug bempedoic acid and its effect on reducing low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and the lack of evidence on clinical outcomes (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/8/120). The contact address for the DTB team is dtb@bmj.com. Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) provide an overview of the July 2022 issue of DTB. They discuss the proposed reclassification of estradiol vaginal tablets from Prescription Only Medicine to a Pharmacy medicine (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/7/98) and review a study that assessed pharmaceutical industry funding of All Party Parliamentary Groups (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/7/100). They talk about the evidence for the lipid-lowering drug inclisiran and its effect on reducing low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and the lack of evidence on clinical outcomes (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/7/102). The editors also highlight a case report of acute lung toxicity caused by nitrofurantoin (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/7/108). Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening.

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) provide an overview of the June 2022 issue of DTB. They discuss the impact that the cessation of spirometry services in primary care has had on diagnosing obstructive lung disease (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/6/82). They highlight two separate patient safety incident reports from the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch - confusion over the prescribed dose of oral morphine solution and the harm caused by a standard therapeutic dose of paracetamol in a frail older person (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/6/84). The editors also talk about an article on serotonin syndrome (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/6/88). Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening. Read the June issue: https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/6

In this podcast, James Cave (Editor-in-Chief) and David Phizackerley (Deputy Editor) provide an overview of the May 2022 issue of DTB. They talk about drug bulletins across the world and the role of the International Society of Drug Bulletins in supporting bulletins and ensuring that they are intellectually and financially independent (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/5/66). They review a study that assessed the use of mirtazapine for treating agitation in people with dementia (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/5/68). The editors also discuss the evidence behind two new oral antivirals that have been licensed for the treatment of covid-19 (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/60/5/73). Please subscribe to the DTB podcast to get episodes automatically downloaded to your mobile device and computer. Also, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on the DTB Podcast iTunes podcast page (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dtb-podcast/id307773309). Thank you for listening.