News
How might a GP-owned pharmacy work?
Greg Hunt has again said no to non-pharmacist ownership, but a leading doctor has condemned “protectionism” in the sector This week, the AMA announced that it had created a working …
Opioid, benzo deaths still rising
A “very disturbing” new report shows that unintentional drug overdose deaths continue to rise – with pharmaceutical opioids and benzodiazepines a particular concern Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2019, issued by …
Flu jab more heart protective than quitting smoking
The Immunisation Coalition has warned Australians about the increased and significant risk of heart attack associated with the flu An estimated one in four lives lost this year to influenza …
Vale John Matthews
Guild pays tribute to an ‘outstanding’ life of the community pharmacist and leader The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has noted with sadness the passing of John Matthews, who they described …
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 …
‘Both sides should take a cold bath.’
Rural pharmacists want collaboration not turf wars, says Rural Pharmacy Network of Australia Rural Pharmacy Network of Australia (RPNA) has called for an end to the ‘turf war’, appealing to …
Pharmacist to return after cancelled registration
A pharmacist who self-medicated with Duromine, Diazepam and Modavigil has been permitted to rejoin the profession, with conditions In June 2017, in proceedings brought by the Health Care Complaints Commission, …
Docs cutting noses off to spite their face: Tassone
The AMA is calling for a move away from community pharmacy as the vehicle for dispensing medicines in rural and regional areas Along with incorporating pharmacy services into general practice …
J&J ordered to pay $846 million for role in opioid crisis
The pharmaceutical company says it will appeal the judgement A judge has fined drug manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and its pharmaceutical subsidiary Janssen US$572 million (AUD$846 million) after finding the …
Ex-pharmacist pleads ignorance in court of appeals
A former pharmacist who was jailed for dispensing opioids to customers of a “pill mill” pain clinic, and ordered to pay $3.71m in restitution, is attempting to appeal his 20-year …
New listings
The Health Minister has announced new PBS listings from 1 September, including a morphine drug and a drug to help manage opioid dependence Greg Hunt has announced that the Morrison …
Labelling, counselling improvements
As part of its commitment to the safe and quality use of medicines, the PSA recently convened meetings to discuss improvements in the labelling and counselling for antibiotics and opioids …