JUST when pharmacists are getting good at giving injections, along comes a new solution which might make it all obsolete.
It's actually still a fair way off, but a new "painless" influenza vaccine delivery system which uses hundreds of "tiny hair-like microneedles" on the sticky side of a bandage dressing (pictured) has just successfully undergone its first human trials.
Developed by researchers at Emory University and the Georgia Institutes of Health, the patch only punctures the top layers of the skin, and as well as its innovative delivery system has other advantages including being able to be stored at room temperature.
The trials were reported online at www.thelancet.com.
A Chinese "vlogger" who planned to eat aloe vera live online as part of a performance to showcase its health benefits has rushed herself to hospital after realising she was actually biting into a poisonous plant.
The 26-year-old bought two giant leaves for her internet 'Aloe Vera Feast,' but after taking a large bite said "oh, that's bitter, that is really bitter" and then abruptly cut the feed.
It turns out she was eating agave Americana, a toxic plant sold in China as an ornament.
While recovering in hospital she said her mouth went numb and felt like her throat was "on fire".
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 29 Jun 17
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 29 Jun 17
