S8 handling criticised again
Handling of S8 medicines has again been highlighted by the Victorian Pharmacy Authority in its latest circular “Poor record keeping of transactions of Schedule 8 poisons identified during inspections has …
The week in review
We take a look back at the week that was in pharmacy This was a significant week for medicines labelling, as the TGA announced it will be implementing two new …
Hep C medicines: too high a price to pay?
One of the key health-related tasks of the re-elected Coalition government will be to ensure a solution to the supply of the expensive new Hepatitis C medicines. The scale of …
Tackling the ‘prescribing cascade’ in seniors
Older Australians may not be aware that they are on a ‘prescribing cascade’, where they take one medicine and have an adverse reaction, so are put on another medicine, says …
Go rural, urges Ekka’s Miss Popular
The Ekka’s Miss Popular for 2016 is urging pharmacists to consider practising in rural and remote areas for the professional satisfaction and sense of community. Only five years ago, Shana …
Roaccutane in medicines safety update
The TGA has issued a reminder to health professionals about the potential risks of psychiatric adverse risks associated with isotretinoin (Roaccutane) and the need for careful psychological assessment before and …
St Vincent’s report highlights hospital pharmacist role
The Society of Hospital Pharmacists has expressed its support for the findings of NSW Health’s final report into Off-protocol prescribing of chemotherapy for head and neck cancers as occurred at …
Parents ignoring SIDS guidlines to avoid flat head syndrome
Parents are ignoring SIDS prevention guidelines in a bid to avoid flat head syndrome, new research has shown. A study published in Child: Care, Health and Development revealed parents are …
‘Don’t go out or I stab you’ – pharmacy robbed
A pharmacist pushed a knife-wielding robber to the ground over the weekend so he could escape his own pharmacy to get help. At around 10am on Sunday, a man entered …
Aussies prefer pharmacy over supermarkets
A whopping 83% of Australians prefer to buy their medicines from a pharmacy rather than a supermarket, according to Canstar Blue – but the top thing they want from pharmacy …
Prescribing social activities doesn’t achieve aims
“Social prescribing” of activities like cooking or gardening has failed to improve patient health or cut GP visits, a pilot scheme evaluation has found. Pulsetoday reports that the study examined …
Blooms The Chemist takes out customer satisfaction award
Blooms The Chemist has topped the Canstar Blue pharmacy customer satisfaction ratings – for the second year in a row. The chain rated five stars in the “Most Satisfied Customers …