Clinical
‘I am sure anyone can see the problem here:’ pain meds shortage costs add up
Palliative patients in the private, rural and remote sectors are being hit extra hard by the continued shortages of key pain relieving medications, stakeholder warns “Patients who are reaching the …
July MIMS update
A look at some of the recent changes to the medicines landscape, with new products, presentations, indications and contraindications New Products Etrasimod (as arginine) (Velsipity) is a sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) …
Community pharmacists ‘underutilised’ in AMS
Community pharmacy has a bigger role to play in antimicrobial stewardship than commonly thought, say pharmacy experts, but funding and awareness is needed Community pharmacists can participate as much as …
Online posts reflect pharmacist role
Pharmacists dispensing medical abortion, contraceptives most concerned about costs, shortages and regulatory issues, online posts reveal Community pharmacists are more likely to reach out for information or support on health …
Combo therapy could boost quit rates
Could adding nicotine lozenges to varenicline treatment boost smoking cessation rates? A new study has shown promising results Nicotine lozenges may be safely used alongside varenicline to help smokers quit, …
Warning issued over widely used medicinal herb
A herb used in around 100 listed medicines is linked to allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, with reports increasing since 2019, the TGA says Medicines containing the herb Andrographis paniculata (andrographis) may …
Compound issues
Warning issued over compounded wind and colic products The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a warning that it has received reports of serious side effects in infants given compounded …
‘Might be a way to make this mess work’: vapes
We’ve received a deluge of comments from our readers on the controversial S3 vape legislation. Here’s a selection of reader comments From 1 July, pharmacies are the only retailers authorised …
‘No quick fix’ for pelvic pain
Pharmacists are “often the first port of call” for women with pelvic pain. Knowing the relevant medicines, red flags and when to refer are top of the list on how …
Smoking cessation meds in pregnancy need more evidence: study
Women need more support to quit smoking during pregnancy but there is a lack of evidence around medicines safety, say researchers A UNSW Sydney-led study of 1.7 million pregnancies in …
Credentials for consultants launch
The PSA has launched its full suite of credentials, including pathways for both experienced consultant pharmacists and those looking to expand their practice The Medication Management Review (MMR) credential and …
A better choice
Pharmacist “champions” can assist prescribers to make more informed choices on empirical prescribing of antibiotics, study finds More education is needed for prescribers to use antibiograms to improve their antibiotic …