Clinical
Little role for sedating antihistamines: Experts
Newer, less sedating forms can be safely taken long term with no loss of efficacy, according to latest evidence In a new article for Australian Prescriber, immunology experts have concluded …
Blockbuster alert
Nine new blockbuster drugs headed our way soon: report A series of new ‘blockbuster’ drugs are expected to hit Australian shores in the next 12-24 months, a new report claims. …
Fast sepsis detection on the horizon
Scientists have designed a simple test that can detect sepsis from a single drop of blood Sepsis, a life-threatening condition in which the body’s extreme response to severe infection damages …
TGA issues medicines safety update
Pharmacists have been reminded that first-generation oral sedating antihistamines are not approved for use in kids under two Following a coronial hearing of a fatal case involving a 74-day-old infant …
Drugs’ hidden side effects
One in four drugs with human targets has been found to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the gut, causing antibiotic-like side effects A research team from the European Molecular …
The dispensing dilemma
Pharmacy should think carefully before devolving its primary dispensing role, experts warn While the current trend is for pharmacy’s clinical role and responsibilities to expand, we should be careful before …
‘Chronic pain needs GP assessment’: NPS MedicineWise
Australians experiencing pain for longer than three months to visit their GP, says the organisation, as it could be neuropathic pain Not-for-profit independent organisation NPS MedicineWise is encouraging Australians who …
Hit me with your best shot
The Immunisation Coalition is urging people aged over 65 to wait for the two new enhanced flu vaccines funded by the Government under the NIP Following a “horrific” flu season …
Asthma meds found to impact fertility
Short-acting asthma relievers have been linked to reduced fertility in women… but there’s good news for those who use long-acting preventers Women with asthma who use short-acting asthma relievers may …
“Media hype must be tempered by clinical evidence”
Clinicians say they are cautious as demand for prescription cannabinoids outruns research on safety profile and effectiveness Doctors have written to the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) on behalf of …
Evidence for pharmacist-led education in prescribing
An Australian trial has found hospital pharmacists providing guidance to junior doctors led to significantly reduced prescribing errors Researchers from the Royal Melbourne Hospital and University of Melbourne Medical School …
Vapers vulnerable to pneumonia: research
Vapour from e-cigarettes seems to help pneumonia-causing bacteria to stick to the cells that line the airway, say researchers A study based on experiments with cells, mice and humans has …