Clinical
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 …
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 …