Clinical
Continued vaping at follow-up ‘problematic’
Vaping devices could help people of lower socioeconomic background quit smoking, an Australian randomised controlled trial has found Vaporised nicotine devices are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for …
‘Substantial impact’: Pharmacists boost uptake threefold
Aged care sector under pressure but pharmacists “can easily fill the gap”, as large new study shows profession’s role in vaccination Pharmacists have had a “substantial” impact on vaccination uptake …
‘Not enough time to do all the tasks … in the real world’
Pharmacists need more time to work as an ACOP, or RMMR services should be brought back alongside the measure, argue experts The current 0.2FTE per 50 beds for the Aged …
July MIMS update
Some of the recent changes to the medicines landscape, with new products, indications and contraindications New Products Canakinumab (rmc) (Ilaris) is a human monoclonal anti-human interleukin (IL)-1beta antibody of the …
‘A pharmacist-consumer consultation can significantly help’
More than 100 vitamin B6-only products would be affected by proposed upscheduling to S3, as TGA consults on interim decision Products containing greater than 50 mg but less than 200 …
‘Dramatic increase’ in prescription cannabis
Most people are now accessing medical cannabis on script and in safer forms, but “concerning” trend shows many are being prescribed for conditions with no evidence of efficacy Around three-quarters …
Concern over rising triple-therapy use
New report shows 130% increase in use of triple therapy for COPD, as well as a 31% drop in spirometry testing rates Patients with COPD who are using triple therapy …
New pack size to ‘help address supply shortage’
PBAC recommends expanding empagliflozin treatment population in line with “pivotal” trial, changes to max quantities for pioglitazone and listing of new contraceptive choice in May meeting The PBAC has recommended …
RSV vax decision deferred
NIP listing proposal for immunising infants and young children temporarily knocked back for legislative reasons A decision on the proposed NIP listing of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine nirsevimab (Beyfortus) …
June MIMS update
Some of the recent changes to the medicines landscape, with new products, indications, contraindications and presentations New Products Lazertinib (as mesilate monohydrate) (Lazcluze) is a third generation, epidermal growth factor …
Biosimilars: costs and administrative burden are stopping uptake
A new industry report calls for measures to improve access to biosimilar medicines in Australia The level of uptake of biosimilar medicines in Australia is well below the average across …
Mixed news on medicines scheduling
Regulators confirm that no change is to be made to astrodrimer sodium gel scheduling despite opposition from leading pharmacy groups. However another change is confirmed The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s Advisory …