Clinical
New cervical cancer screening test begins
New cervical screening test, which replaces the old Pap test, begins 1 December 2017 The new test is a more accurate way of screening for cervical cancer and is expected …
Newly funded drug linked to tachycardia, hep B and infection
The TGA has updated its safety advice for ibrutinib after reviewing latest research on the medicine’s risks and effects Ibrutinib, marketed in Australia as Imbruvica, is used for the treatment …
A changing landscape
Recent codeine survey reveals more consumers approve than disapprove of the upschedule – a shift from earlier surveys An online survey of 1,028 randomly selected Australian adults conducted from 10th to …
Discharge dispense dilemma
A roundup of research from the recent SHPA Medicines Management 2017 conference, including evidence of poor discharge prescribing of opioids  Guidelines are being developed by a local health district …
To indicate or not to indicate?
Study reveals widespread support for including the indication on scripts and medication labels, but concerns have been raised over workload and privacy Adding the indication or purpose of the medication …
The opioid trap
How many people fall into addiction after getting a script from their doctor, and what role does the ED play? University of Sydney pharmacist researcher Dr Jonathan Penm recently conducted …
FluMist Quadrivalent gains tentative approval
TGA approves registration of nasal spray which it says could boost uptake of influenza vaccine While AstraZeneca’s FluMist Quadrivalent influenza virus vaccine nasal spray applicator has been registered on the …
Looking for a new product
The manufacturer of testosterone replacement therapy Testogel says it will work with health professionals to fill the void left by the withdrawal of competitor product, Axiron Eli Lilly has this …
Dosing, a weighty issue
More consideration needs to be given to a patient’s body composition when medicine doses are being calculated, experts believe Estimating the optimal dose for obese patients is difficult and, in …
The wrong decision?
Some thoughts on the proposed rescheduling of OTC Codeine-containing products to Prescription Only, by Professor Peter Carroll In the current debate regarding the proposed rescheduling of over the counter (OTC) …
Can a daily drink slow Alzheimer’s?
Researchers are investigating whether a nutrient-rich drink, sold in some pharmacies, could provide a way to slow the disease A new study conducted by neurology researchers has discovered potential evidence …