Dtb Podcast

In this podcast accompanying the August issue of DTB (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/8), David Phizackerley (DTB Editor) is joined by James Cave (former DTB Editor-in-Chief). David and James discuss an editorial generated by artificial intelligence (AI) (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/8/114) which looks at the role of AI in publishing. They talk about a DTB Forum article (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/8/115) that explores some of the practical problems of implementing drug safety alerts.  A DTB Select article (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/8/117) provides an overview of a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of tirzepatide for weight reduction in people without diabetes. They finish by reviewing the main article (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/8/118) that provides an overview of the evidence for lecanemab for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.   Link BMJ policy on AI use: https://www.bmj.com/content/ai-use 

In this podcast accompanying the July issue of DTB  (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/7), David Phizackerley (DTB Editor) is joined by Syba Sunny (Clinical Editor). David and Syba discuss the editorial (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/7/98) which focuses on some key changes in the new national asthma guideline and the implications for patients and healthcare professionals. A DTB Select article (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/7/99) provides an overview of a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial that assessed whether bisoprolol reduced the number of exacerbations in people with COPD. The main article (https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/7/103) is an overview of abaloparatide, which is licensed for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at increased risk of fracture.   The podcast begins with a discussion about ideas for new articles for DTB and the therapeutic areas currently under consideration. If you have a suggestion for an article that you would like DTB to cover, please email details to 

In this podcast accompanying the June issue of DTB, David Phizackerley (DTB Editor) is joined by Julian Treadwell (DTB Associate Editor) and Laurence Leaver (GP). David and Julian start by discussing the editorial - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/6/82 - which highlights some of the challenges in preventing VTE in early pregnancy. They also talk about a cohort study - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/6/84 - that assessed whether gabapentinoid use was associated with severe exacerbations among patients aged >55 years with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the second half of the podcast, Julian talks to Laurence about two articles - https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/5/74 and https://dtb.bmj.com/content/63/6/85 - he wrote on managing ADHD in adults.   Their discussion includes issues relating to diagnosis, effectiveness of medication, starting and titrating medication and some of the common adverse effects associated with medication. Both articles are currently free to access on the DTB website.   P

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

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://thehealthinnovatio

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 Medic

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 epi

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

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/docu

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 confl

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

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 emai

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

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.appl

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/gover

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.

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 subscrib

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 pha

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 mob