News
New advice on combinations
PBS issues new claiming advice on opioid combinations as listing changes take effect From yesterday (1 June 2020) Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings have changed for opioid products. The PBS …
Pandemic position
What roles can a specialised COVID pharmacist play? One Australian hospital found out The deployment of a specialised COVID pharmacist position has “proven a key and responsive member of the …
Reprimands, complaints up compared to previous quarter
The VPA conducted 20 panel hearings in the first three months of this year alone, with 12 of these resulting in a reprimand and eight in a caution The Victorian …
Biologic treatment for severe asthma listed on PBS
A new pre-filled autoinjector for at-home administration of mepolizumab will be reimbursed by the PBS from 1 June Patients with severe refractory eosinophilic asthma can now choose to receive treatment …
Rural pharmacies fill gap left by doctor shortages
Temporary measures allowing community pharmacists to provide one-month supply of a patient’s regular medication when they can’t get a script should be made permanent, argues rural group While COVID-19 and …
Combination inhaler PBS listed for mild asthma
Symbicort is now PBS-listed for any form of asthma severity – mild, moderate or severe. So how should this change your conversations with patients asking for an OTC blue puffer? …
The week in review
As the sector waits for the 7CPA to be signed, GPs have complained about pharmacy and flu jabs, one stakeholder called for ‘sweeping change’ to pharmacy and there are new …
COVID-19: the pharmacist impact
Italy is one of the nations that has been most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. New data shows just how it has affected community pharmacists Since the beginning of …
‘There are pharmacies doing it very tough.’
Business is far from booming in pharmacy, as economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has readers worried about job security and business viability Earlier this month, the AJP asked readers …
Opioid rules tightened
New restrictions on opioids provide an excellent opportunity for pharmacists to raise awareness about dependence, naloxone and pain management, say stakeholders Commencing Monday, 1 June 2020, the PBS listings for …
‘It’s essential that people feel safe to speak up.’
What’s the best way to support your pharmacy team during the pandemic? A recent webinar from AJP and PSS provides some valuable advice This week AJP and the Pharmacists’ Support …
Don’t undermine public health campaigns
The TGA has reminded advertisers not to produce ads that undermine public health campaigns, such as advice to stay home when sick As the cold and flu season begins in …