The December 2010 issue of Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) [volume 47, number 12] contains an editorial and three articles. The editorial discusses the problems raised by C. difficile infections occurring outside hospital. The issue also includes a review of the management of gastro-oesophageal refux in infants, a review of the role of strong opioids for osteoarthritis in primary care, and a review of generic prescribing in epilepsy. A podcast outlining what is in the December issue is also available via our website [1] www.dtb.bmj.com.