CPD Activity
Topical management strategies of mild acne treatment: an update
This article will explore the most recent treatment guidelines of acne, including the down-scheduling of adapalene. Pharmacists have an integral role in recommending effective, appropriate and evidence-based products that reduce …
Maternal iodine and selenium adequacy: still an issue for women of childbearing age
This second article in the Bayer Continuing Medical Education Series explores the role of maternal iodine and selenium adequacy, how deficiencies in these micronutrients may impact the future health of …
Management of constipation: a discussion about over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives and their class-specific mechanisms of action
This podcast consists of two episodes. In episode one, Dr Sonal Patel and Kayla Ferguson chat about constipation—what it is, how it is identified, the complications and red flags that …
Relieving acute cough
The symptom of cough is one of the most common medical complaints presenting to a health professional. A pharmacist is well placed to assess the possible cause of a patient’s …
Re-evaluating over-the-counter options for acute pain management
Misuse of analgesics has become a major concern in recent years, leading to the upscheduling of codeine in 2018, modified-release paracetamol in 2020, and now further potential changes to paracetamol …
The role of complementary medicines in supporting bladder health
Complementary medicines can be beneficial in managing symptoms associated with a medically diagnosed overactive bladder. The herbal ingredients in these products have demonstrated benefits for relieving urinary frequency and can …
Complementary medicine for pain management
Pharmacists are ideally placed to support patient care by advising customers about the evidence, appropriate use and safety of complementary medicines for pain and inflammation. By Liesl Blott BPharm, BHSc …
Influenza in older adults and higher-immunogenicity influenza vaccines
As trusted healthcare professionals, pharmacists are well-placed to provide education and improve health literacy around influenza vaccination, ensuring each patient receives specific and personalised advice and is comfortable with their …
New prescribing guidelines for the management of ADHD
In order to provide professional advice and support to patients managing their attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), pharmacists need to understand mechanism of action of pharmacological treatments, and potential for …
Early recognition of POTS—postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Pharmacists have an important role in educating patients living with POTS, monitoring their medications and potential drug interactions, advising on lifestyle modifications, and working with the healthcare team to optimise …
Navigating the twists and turns of the gastrointestinal tract: one muscle at a time
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract consists of various organs that are essential for our survival and overall functioning. Two common issues that affect the GI tract are reflux and constipation. These …
The A, B and Ps of exfoliation for sensitive skin
The challenge that arises for individuals with sensitive skin, is selecting a suitable daily exfoliator. Pharmacists play a crucial role in patient education, dispelling myths and empowering individuals with the …
S3 celecoxib: expanding pharmacists’ options for managing musculoskeletal pain
The recent decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to include celecoxib 200mg as the first Schedule 3 (Pharmacist Only Medicine) selective COX-2 inhibitor in a primary pack containing not more …
Home medicines reviews and COPD
Home medicines reviews (HMRs) can provide clinically and statistically significant improvements in health-related quality of life, health status, smoking abstinence and adherence to treatment for people living with chronic obstructive …
Dizziness and vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo are common side effects associated with medications but can also stem from a variety of unique causes, including cardiovascular or breathing pattern problems. Because of this, it …
Management of different types of conjunctivitis: viral vs bacterial vs allergic
Pharmacists are well-positioned to manage acute cases of conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is a common condition with various aetiologies, including viral, bacterial, allergic or irritant origins. Effective management of conjunctivitis requires the …
Regulatory notifications: they’ll never happen to me!
When pharmacists receive regulatory notifications, a range of common misconceptions can cloud their judgement and impede their ability to respond effectively. Among these misconceptions are feelings of inadequacy, where a …
Be aware or beware of ‘wrong patient’ errors
This article aims to raise awareness and provide strategies to prevent the administration of medication to the wrong person. By Amy Minion BPharm MBA, Professional Development Pharmacist, PDL Learning objectives …
RSV: a pharmacist’s role in prevention and protection
Pharmacists are well-positioned to integrate RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccination into their practices by identifying at-risk individuals, offering patient education, and proactively recommending RSV vaccines and promoting co-administration with other …
Dementia with Lewy bodies
After Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common neurodegenerative dementia in older people, yet up to half of DLB cases are misdiagnosed. Pharmacists have a …