Medication in Review
Asthma and sleep
Asthma, sleep and sleep disorders appear to have complex, but significant relationships, particularly among people with severe asthma. By Debbie Rigby, advanced practice pharmacist Learning Objectives After completing this activity, …
Conversations on anticoagulants
Ensuring adequate anticoagulation is important to reduce the risk of strokes related to atrial fibrillation. A patient-centred approach should be taken to decide the appropriate oral anticoagulant therapy. By Debbie …
Oral corticosteroids—not always forever
Pharmacists conducting comprehensive medication reviews need to take a best possible medication history to identify long-term and cumulative use of oral corticosteroids, recommend medications to optimise underlying conditions, identify other …
Frailty and COPD
Frailty is common among people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with an increased risk of adverse patient outcomes. By Debbie Rigby, advanced practice pharmacist Learning …
Polypharmacy stewardship
Ensuring medication safety in polypharmacy is one of the key roles for pharmacists conducting comprehensive medication reviews and providing quality use of medicines services in various healthcare settings and in …
Sarcopenia and polypharmacy
Sarcopenia is common among older persons living in the community and in residential aged care and is one of the most important causes of functional decline and loss of independence …
COPD and CVD comorbidity
Optimal management of COPD should include identification and management of comorbidities. As COPD has a high rate of comorbidity with cardiovascular disease, patients with COPD may benefit from cardioprotective medications …
Frailty and polypharmacy
Frailty substantially increases the risk of older persons experiencing medication-related harm. People approaching frailty or living with mild frailty should be targeted for medication reviews, regardless of the number of …
Medication-related symptoms: peripheral oedema
Peripheral oedema is a common condition among older persons, with varied causes. For pharmacists conducting medication reviews, a high index of suspicion for medication-related causes is warranted. By Debbie Rigby, …
Conversations on neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain is a common component of a wide range of chronic pain states that can have profound negatives impacts on physical, psychological and social activities. By Debbie Rigby, advanced …
Medication adherence in COPD
Optimal management of COPD requires a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, however adherence to treatment can be low. Pharmacists can play a pivotal role in optimising adherence, persistence and …
Oral corticosteroid stewardship
While oral corticosteroids (OCS) are effective for reducing inflammation and for immunosuppression in several chronic conditions, frequent corticosteroid use is associated with substantial adverse effects. Pharmacists can play an important …