Clinical
A new option
New fixed-dosed two-drug regimen approved for HIV—reducing patient exposure and potential drug interactions compared to usual pills containing three or more medicines The TGA has approved Dovato (dolutegravir and lamivudine), …
Scheduling changes on the agenda
New proposals may see pharmacists dispensing downscheduled allergic rhinitis, migraine treatments, while caffeine powders are to be effectively banned The TGA’s medicine scheduling committee is set to rule on proposals …
Symbicort now registered for mild asthma
New indication means budesonide/formoterol can be prescribed as needed (PRN) for patients with mild asthma, without daily maintenance treatment Symbicort Turbuhaler 200/6 and Symbicort Rapihaler 100/3 can now be prescribed …
Getting updated
PI documents for DOACs in Australia are being updated to include new information about increased risk of recurrent thrombotic events in a specific group of patients Pharmacists are advised that …
The medicine-pharmacy relationship: a true partnership?
Pharmacist support and collaboration with junior doctors saw a reduction of dose errors from 54% down to 7%, according to a new study Researchers from New Zealand have tested a …
7 things to know about meningococcal vaccines
Which vaccines are available and who should get them? A few weeks ago Australians were urged to be alert to lesser known signs of deadly meningococcal disease. As of 18 …
Helping men with ED
What pharmacists need to know about this common condition Extending community pharmacy-based healthcare would enable more men living with erectile dysfunction to safely access effective medications, diagnostic services and support …
Change is coming
Get ready for the big ingredient name changes in 2020, regulator warns The TGA is advising health professionals and consumers alike to be ready for the 2020 deadline for the …
‘Prescribing of drugs is a balance of risks’
Young people taking pregabalin may be at increased risk of harm including suicidal behaviour and injury, according to a cohort study Swedish and British researchers have explored a possible association …
Staying the same
Mometasone to remain a mostly prescription product after downscheduling application is knocked back TGA regulators have rejected a proposal to move the corticosteroid mometasone to become a Schedule 3 product. …
Popping out
Pharmacies to dispense product used as a sex aid following TGA ruling The Therapeutic Goods Administrations’ scheduling committee has recommended some of a range of products currently used as sex …
Keeping up to date
PBAC reveals the latest raft of new recommendations made on PBS drugs The latest recommendations made by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee have been released, with new listings for naloxone …