The week in review
Two drugs have been causing debate this week: cannabis and, predictably, codeine A group of doctors wrote to the Medical Journal of Australia on behalf of the Royal Australasian College …
Acid suppressants for babies don’t work
GPs are over-prescribing acid suppressant medicines for babies with GORD and reflux, new research has found The report, in Archives of Disease in Childhood, is based on a prospective study …
Confusion reigns as codeine shortage continues
Consumers are speaking out about the lack of stock situation in pharmacies – and they’re not happy In a piece titled “Codeine ban is one painful bungle after another,” News …
Pain group takes aim at Pain MedsChecks
Another stakeholder has alleged that pharmacists are responsible for the increased price of low-dose codeine – and taken aim at Pain MedsChecks Chronic Pain Australia, which represents people living with …
ACT opioid maintenance changes
The ACT’s opioid maintenance guidelines have been strengthened, with take-away dosing limits to be reviewed in 2018 Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris has announced the ACT’s existing opioid …
Pharmacists copping codeine price fury
Anger over the increased price of low-dose codeine is growing – and pharmacists are in the firing line Pharmacy Guild NSW Branch president David Heffernan has hit back at claims …
Vic takes action on anti-vax ‘rogue doctors’
Victoria has passed legislation which means doctors will no longer be able to make false statements about a child’s ability to be immunised The Andrews Labor Government says it is …
Low carbs or fat—and does it matter?
There’s not much point trying to tailor a weight loss diet to one’s genes, researchers have found In a study that was welcomed by diet and nutrition experts, researchers enrolled …
World news wrapup: 22 February 2018
Canadian crackdown on Pharmacy-Only drugs sold in grocery; a new hope in New Zealand; pharmacist nominated for “Unsung Hero” award New Zealand: New Health Minister David Clark has given pharmacy …
Anti-inflammatory risk downplayed in open channel
Nearly three-quarters of pharmacists would like to see greater restrictions on the availability of ibuprofen, an AJP poll has revealed Following concerns expressed by pharmacists that Australians could be at …
Qld whooping cough plummets since 2016
Whooping cough cases in Queensland dropped sharply last year – but it’s no time to be complacent Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young says the highly contagious respiratory infection …
‘Fundamental’ misunderstanding of location rules’ purpose
Critics of the location rules just don’t understand them, says the Guild’s executive director In this week’s edition of Forefront, David Quilty writes that the Guild welcomed the passage through …