Post-surgery opioids and misuse
A new study has shown that each refill and week of opioid prescription is associated with a large increase in opioid misuse The study, published in the BMJ, aimed to …
OTC codeine death claims ‘must stop’
Pharmacy Guild NSW Branch president David Heffernan has hit out at recent claims about deaths associated with OTC codeine, saying they defame pharmacists In a message to NSW Guild members, …
Pregnancy focus needed for ADHD meds
The incidence of women of reproductive age filling scripts for ADHD medicines has soared, up to 700% in one age group The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have …
OTC codeine: who’s addicted?
It’s possible that some people with codeine use disorder will emerge after February 2018 and present for help after their supplies run out, stakeholders say In an editorial in Australian …
Docs call for free flu jabs for all
The RACGP is calling for free vaccinations for all Australians, following NSW’s announcement of free jabs for under-fives Children between six months and five years old will be eligible for …
Five ways to respond to unhappy codeine customers
NPS MedicineWise has released new guidance for pharmacists on the codeine upschedule, focusing on five consumer concerns Drawing on the most common complaints and questions aired on social media about …
Is obesity contagious?
Living in a community where being overweight is common may incline individuals to becoming so themselves, a new study suggests The US researchers wrote that a “clustering” effect has been …
Research Roundup
Debbie Rigby takes a look at the latest in research news Effectiveness and safety of oral anticoagulants in older patients with atrial fibrillation A systematic review and meta-regression analysis of …
Keeping to the script
Don’t fall back on opioids or codeine combination products after Feb 1 rescheduling deadline, prescribers warned, as AMA boss says stockpiling is not a concern Australian prescribers have been warned …
Cutting deeply
Information released on next wave of price disclosure cuts, as the potential impact of a new PBS bill is revealed The latest round of price disclosure cuts – to be …
Shoplifter comes back to fill script
Most shoplifters don’t leave their name and address behind them for pharmacies to follow up… but this Bundaberg women did just that The Northern Star reports that on November 10 …
Beware back-to-school asthma spike
The National Asthma Council Australia is asking pharmacists to help young asthma patients have a better start to the school year Parents and carers need to be prepared so they …