Clinical
Protocols, resident empowerment highlighted following death
An aged care facility resident died after being given the wrong medication, during the transition from a paper-based to electronic system Chief clinical advisor to the Aged Care Quality and …
July MIMS update
We look at some of the recent changes to the medicines landscape, with new products, new indications, safety related changes and more New Products Finerenone (Kerendia) is a nonsteroidal antagonist …
Hospitals ‘the origin and future of pharmacist-led prescribing’
A new trial of hospital pharmacist prescribing, plus rostering more pharmacists over the weekend, are steps being taken to address bed block Pharmacists at one South Australian hospital will be …
Regulator investigates Ozempic suicidal ideation link
Novo Nordisk’s diabetes medication, Ozempic (semaglutide) and weight-loss treatment Saxenda (liraglutide) are being investigated, following reports they may be associated with suicidal ideation The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is looking …
Coroner’s ‘grave concerns’ over tramadol
A Victorian coroner has recommended further training regarding tramadol and its interactions, noting it is not included in SafeScript, following a woman’s death The Victorian woman, who had a history …
Palliative care groups sound alarm on drug drought
Concerns grow over discontinuation of “gold standard” pain relief brand Ordine from later this year A group of 18 palliative care organisations led by Palliative Care Australia is calling for …
Hospital concerns met
SHPA welcomes support for post-discharge medicine supply and the successful trial of a new liquid opioid management system A major New South Wales government announcement meets long-standing requests for post-discharge …
Looking at harm minimisation
Methadone, buprenorphine, drug testing, naloxone and more: we discuss the latest views and opinions with a panel of experts Why is the naloxone program not seeing wider take-up? Should pharmacists …
Rushed changes are breaking pharmacy
Pharmacists are running out of time and energy to fix problems with the new national methadone Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) system Clerical drama surrounding changes to opioid management programs, combined …
More evidence for charting
Call for more widespread adoption of medication charting in cancer units following study findings Use of Partnered Pharmacist Medication Charting (PPMC) in oncology units is associated with significantly lower rates …
Broader use of medication recommended
PBAC recommends extending eligibility criteria for Covid medication to an additional population group In an out-of-session consideration, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended changes to the circumstances …
Anaemia aspirin risk for over-70s
Daily aspirin use increases risk by 20% according to new study Older adults who take low-dose aspirin over a prolonged period should be regularly monitored for anaemia, researchers into aspirin use …