Clinical
Opioid intervention coverage ‘woefully inadequate’
It would be “fantastic” if more pharmacists were willing to provide opioid replacement therapy, says leading researcher Latest data estimates that 40.5 million people across the world were dependent on …
Product shortages
TGA releases list of Ranitidine products impacted by recall Ranitidine tablets and oral liquids are now in short supply as a number of commonly-used brands have been recalled from pharmacies, …
How does stockpiling, dependence and diversion relate to dose?
A study across patients recruited from Australian community pharmacies has looked at the link between prescribed opioid dose and problematic behaviours Many people stay on opioids for years to treat …
Health follies of last century
A look back at some of the ‘health misadventures’ common in the earlier years of the 20th century, by Ralph Tapping Health follies’ of the last century might otherwise be …
Knowing the risks
A BMJ review of e-cigarettes’ effects shows concerning results including higher rates of acute respiratory illness, acute injury to the small airways and immunosuppression Studies show e-cigarettes have measurable adverse …
Dosing on the agenda
Decision on PPI double dosing deferred by PBAC, but support given to antibiotic listing changes The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has deferred a decision on whether to allow twice …
Pharmacy research falls short
A systematic review has identified areas of pharmacy-related research that were not conducted to the highest standard or where reporting is inadequate Improvements can be made to pharmacy research practice …
Not the desired effect
Restrictions on alprazolam prescribing have failed to curb usage, with sales of bigger packs on the increase Measures introduced in 2017 to prevent potentially harmful usage of alprazolam have failed …
What are the odds?
People with medical conditions such as asthma, COPD, arthritis, cancer and depression are more likely to report marijuana use, according to a new study A large US study has looked …
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 …