News
AJP now on Saturday
We wish to introduce the AJP Daily Saturday matinee edition Such has been the response to our AJP Daily newsletter since its launch on 1 March, that we are now …
Lifetime asthmatic consumer never offered advice on inhaler technique
“I have never been offered anything more than a transaction experience let alone advice about correct inhaler technique or help with an asthma action plan…” The sentence above is part …
Bayer pushes for downscheduling of vardenafil
Making ED drugs available through pharmacists could prevent men resorting to dangerous online versions, says the company Bayer has applied to the TGA to consider downscheduling the PDE5 inhibitor vardenafil (Levitra) …
Use of warfarin is in decline
But NOACs have contributed to an overall growth in the anticoagulant market Based on the volume of prescriptions, use of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in Australia has grown since their …
Go rural, urges Ekka’s Miss Popular
The Ekka’s Miss Popular for 2016 is urging pharmacists to consider practising in rural and remote areas for the professional satisfaction and sense of community. Only five years ago, Shana …
Roaccutane in medicines safety update
The TGA has issued a reminder to health professionals about the potential risks of psychiatric adverse risks associated with isotretinoin (Roaccutane) and the need for careful psychological assessment before and …
St Vincent’s report highlights hospital pharmacist role
The Society of Hospital Pharmacists has expressed its support for the findings of NSW Health’s final report into Off-protocol prescribing of chemotherapy for head and neck cancers as occurred at …
Forum: Inhaler device technique
There is an excellent discussion thread underway in the Forum at present on the need to check the inhaler technique of your asthma / COPD patients. If you haven’t already …
Australia’s medicine labels to change for first time 15 years
New labels will include easier-to-find active ingredients, a critical information panel and designated space for a dispensing label The TGA has announced it will be implementing two new labelling orders …
World news wrapup: 11 August 2016
AJP takes a look at pharmacy news from around the world Missouri, US: Five pharmacies from four states have filed a class-action lawsuit against pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) Express Scripts, reports …
MedsASSIST hits two million recorded transactions
Monitoring system for medicines containing codeine has reached a significant milestone More than two million transactions involving OTC medicines containing codeine have been recorded by pharmacists participating in the MedsASSIST …
Metformin shortage update
Additional brands of extended release tablets have been added to the shortage list, while others are now more readily available Following the TGA’s metformin shortage alert in mid-June, some brands have now …