In Depth
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 …
Clinical tips: osteoporosis
Louis Roller takes a comprehensive look at the prevalence, causes and treatment of osteoporosis Osteoporosis is defined as a disease characterised by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone …
“We need to look at real world evidence”
Quantifying the true effect of a drug on the population goes beyond looking at the short-term results of clinical trials, says doc A Sydney cardiologist has pointed out the importance …
Research Roundup
Debbie Rigby takes a look at the latest in research news We have had a gutful: The need for deprescribing proton pump inhibitors Times series analysis of PBS and RPBS …
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 …
Flu is a tragic illness. How can we get more people to vaccinate?
Influenza has traditionally been the underdog of vaccine-preventable diseases, write Julie Leask and Samantha Carlson Julie Leask, Associate Professor, University of Sydney; Samantha Carlson, Research Officer for the National Centre for Immunisation Research …
Take ownership of your local marketing
A lot of pharmacies rely too heavily on their franchise for marketing when they should be creating localised strategies, says Sarah Rendell These pharmacies assume because they are associated with …
Clinical tips: mental health
Mental health is a significant issue for many Australians, writes Louis Roller Some statistics on mental illness in Australia In each year, approximately one in every five Australians will experience a mental …
‘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 …
Helping me, helping you
A methadone program brought this recovering heroin addict and pharmacist together Fabian, from Victoria, was 16 years old when he first started using heroin. And it was only when a …
How the media oversold standing desks as a fix for inactivity at work
How the media oversold standing desks as a fix for inactivity at work Media reports failed to mention limits to evidence in new guidelines about sitting and moving at work, …
Research Roundup
Debbie Rigby takes a look at the latest in research news The evolving role of tiotropium in asthma Tiotropium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) now shown to improve lung …