Latest news with #NICE
Powys County Times
13 hours ago
- Health
- Powys County Times
'Breakthrough' for hay fever sufferers through new NHS drug
Hay fever sufferers are set to benefit from a new daily treatment that officials say offers "long-term relief". Hay fever is a common allergy that causes sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. You cannot cure it, but there are things you can do to help your symptoms, or medicines you can take to help. But if you've clicked on this article, you probably didn't need us to tell you that. I'm not being dramatic but i might be the first person to die from hayfever. — Sheena (@sarky_sheena) July 20, 2025 The new under-the-tongue immunotherapy tablet works by training the immune system to tolerate tree pollen over three years of daily use. The drug, called Betula verrusca and sold under the brand name Itulazax 12 SQ-Bet, has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a hay fever treatment on the NHS. NICE estimates that around 27,000 people in England will benefit from the treatment, which is recommended for people whose hay fever symptoms persist even after taking antihistamines or using nasal sprays. Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: "This treatment will help improve people's quality of life. "Severe tree pollen allergies trap people indoors during beautiful weather and disrupt their work, education and family life. "The daily tablet offers genuine long-term relief rather than just managing symptoms." Symptoms are usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest. Hay fever can last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after 1 to 2 weeks. Amena Warner, head of clinical services at Allergy UK, said: "Many people don't realise how awful it is having an itchy, runny nose, sneezing episodes or itchy, irritated eyes in the pollen season. "We frequently hear from people who avoid time outdoors, keep doors and windows shut, check pollen counts and try and minimise any exposure, which takes a significant toll on their physical and emotional wellbeing. "NICE's recommendation is so important because it provides a genuine opportunity for people to manage the root cause of their pollen allergy, offering the chance to break free from this burden and enjoy a better quality of life."
South Wales Argus
17 hours ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
'Breakthrough' for hay fever sufferers through new NHS drug
Hay fever is a common allergy that causes sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. You cannot cure it, but there are things you can do to help your symptoms, or medicines you can take to help. But if you've clicked on this article, you probably didn't need us to tell you that. I'm not being dramatic but i might be the first person to die from hayfever. — Sheena (@sarky_sheena) July 20, 2025 The new under-the-tongue immunotherapy tablet works by training the immune system to tolerate tree pollen over three years of daily use. The drug, called Betula verrusca and sold under the brand name Itulazax 12 SQ-Bet, has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a hay fever treatment on the NHS.
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
'Breakthrough' for hay fever sufferers through new NHS drug
You cannot cure it, but there are things you can do to help your symptoms, or medicines you can take to help. But if you've clicked on this article, you probably didn't need us to tell you that. I'm not being dramatic but i might be the first person to die from hayfever. — Sheena (@sarky_sheena) July 20, 2025 The new under-the-tongue immunotherapy tablet works by training the immune system to tolerate tree pollen over three years of daily use. The drug, called Betula verrusca and sold under the brand name Itulazax 12 SQ-Bet, has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a hay fever treatment on the NHS.
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
'Breakthrough' for hay fever sufferers through new NHS drug
Hay fever is a common allergy that causes sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. You cannot cure it, but there are things you can do to help your symptoms, or medicines you can take to help. But if you've clicked on this article, you probably didn't need us to tell you that. I'm not being dramatic but i might be the first person to die from hayfever. — Sheena (@sarky_sheena) July 20, 2025 The new under-the-tongue immunotherapy tablet works by training the immune system to tolerate tree pollen over three years of daily use. The drug, called Betula verrusca and sold under the brand name Itulazax 12 SQ-Bet, has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a hay fever treatment on the NHS.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
IVF cycles funded by the NHS could be reduced in South Yorkshire
The number of IVF cycles funded by the NHS in South Yorkshire could be cut from two to fertility treatment is funded by the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) but it is reviewing whether providing two rounds on the NHS is too 200 people a year in South Yorkshire access IVF services and about 20-30% of couples progress to a second South Yorkshire spent nearly £900,000 proving the treatment in 2021-22 but health chiefs said they need to "balance the books and focus resources on the services that matter to communities the most". An ICB report said: "We know that infertility is a very difficult issue for those affected by it. "We are faced with difficult decisions, including considering whether IVF services should continue to be funded as they currently are."Maintaining the current level of provision would mean we would need to consider our investments in other areas of healthcare to ensure we are using our resources efficiently."The NHS has been asked to prioritise access to care, such as GP appointments, elective treatment in hospitals and to improve waiting times for urgent and emergency care, such as the length of time waiting in an accident and emergency department."The NHS has a duty to break even each year and secure the best investment for the funds to provide high quality care for local people." 'Value for money' The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends offering up to three full cycles of IVF to eligible women under 40 and one full cycle for eligible women aged England, the number of NHS funded IVF cycles varies significantly - 67% of health boards only offer one cycle, 19% offer two and 10% offer three. The regions neighbouring South Yorkshire all offer report added: "A reduction to one cycle of IVF would bring us in line with most other parts of England and would be the best way to ensure value for money whilst maintaining a service that we know is important to people who are affected by it."The ICB will meet on Wednesday 23 July to discuss the proposals ahead of a five-week consultation. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
