Opinion
Why upscheduling codeine won’t solve any problem
The rescheduling of OTC codeine-containing analgesics to prescription only won’t reduce misuse or increase patient safety, writes Professor Peter Carroll I believe the TGA’s decision to upschedule OTC codeine-containing preparations …
Codeine rescheduling and its impact on consumer access to medication
Dr Angel Gonzalez takes a look at the implications of the codeine decision Community pharmacies have been facing a growing concern with the problematic use of drugs containing substances with …
‘We mustn’t continue to fear the addict’
Pharmacists absolutely must play a key role in harm minimisation, writes Angelo Pricolo I have been asked why, as a pharmacist, I feel so strongly about the issues that affect …
Codeine – let’s hear all the facts
Misinformation is muddying the waters around the Guild’s proposals for continued pharmacist provision of codeine-containing medicines, says Anthony Tassone Concern over the impact on patients of the upcoming rescheduling of …
Pharmacists as the second victim
Pharmacists may suffer great harm if they make errors, writes Curtis Ruhnau There has been much talk over recent weeks about pharmacist stress in relation to the National Stress and …
Sensitivity in the healthcare sector
The importance of being culturally sensitive when dealing with patients A few years ago, my grandmother had a stroke. It was a fatal brain haemorrhage, and I was the one …
Representing the members
What drives a pharmacist to seek Guild elective office? Amanda Seeto says she wants to advocate on behalf of her peers and give all pharmacies a chance to survive and …
A time for clarity
Pharmacy needs clarity and unity if it is to have a strategic approach to codeine rescheduling, says Rick Samimi The codeine rescheduling issue has been challenging for community pharmacy. Despite …
Prepare now for life after OTC codeine
It’s time to talk to patients about protecting them from opioid-related harms, writes Debbie Rigby From 1 February 2018 all codeine-based medications will become prescription-only. Low-dose codeine is currently used …
Harm minimisation from the past to the future
Whether helping smokers or those who use illicit drugs, pharmacists are at the coalface of harm minimisation, writes Angelo Pricolo Pharmacists are the most important and effective health professional in …
Reflections on rural Australia
Pharmacy Student of the Year Jessica Bailey shares some thoughts on her recent pharmacy placement in outback NSW Jessica Bailey is a pharmacy student at Monash University, currently finishing her …
Embrace the detours
How you handle the unexpected can have a big payoff, writes Karen Brown The path to business success is a road full of obstacles and detours. How you navigate your …