Medication in Review
COPD—beyond inhaler therapies with biologics
The emergence of biologic therapies represents one of the most significant advances in COPD management in more than 20 years. Understanding which patients may benefit, how these medicines work, and …
High risk triad: COPD, asthma and heart failure
The coexistence of asthma, COPD and heart failure represents a clinically complex and increasingly prevalent multimorbidity cluster, particularly in ageing populations. By Debbie Rigby, advanced practice pharmacist Learning outcomes After …
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
MASLD is a highly prevalent, multifactorial disease with significant implications for medication management. Pharmacist-led medication reviews are essential to improving clinical outcomes, reducing adverse events, and supporting integrated care. By …
Modern CKD management
New therapeutic options for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) provide meaningful opportunities to slow progression and improve long-term outcomes if detected early. By Debbie Rigby, advanced practice pharmacist …
Improving asthma management in adults
The 2025 update to the National Asthma Council (NAC) Australia’s guideline for asthma in primary care, the Australian Asthma Handbook, emphasises significant changes in asthma management. By Debbie Rigby, advanced …
UTI management—more than antibiotics
The growing problem of antimicrobial resistance means the non-antibiotic strategies should be considered for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). What are these non-antibiotic management options and how …
Sick day management of medicines
Sick day management of medicines is a vital but often overlooked component of safe pharmacotherapy. Pharmacists are critically positioned to lead this initiative through medication reviews, point-of-care counselling, and interprofessional …
Optimising anticoagulants for older persons with atrial fibrillation
Optimising therapy for the increasing population of older adults with atrial fibrillation (AF) is challenging. AF is associated with a 5-fold risk of stroke and systemic embolism.1 To mitigate these risks, …
Realigning diabetes regimens
Australian guidelines for the management of type 2 diabetes state that overtreatment of diabetes is common in older adults and should be avoided.1 Deintensification or simplification of complex regimens is …
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 …
Preventing diabetes complications
The key aim of diabetes management is to prevent complications, which are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. By Debbie Rigby, advanced practice pharmacist Learning Objectives After completing this …