Opioid use quadruples in Australia, but others can’t access pain relief
Use of common opioid painkillers such as codeine, morphine and oxycodone has more than quadrupled in Australia over the past decade and doubled worldwide over the same period a report …
PBS sustainability proven, more cuts unnecessary: Medicines Partnership
The sustainability of the PBS has been highlighted by the release of Productivity Commission data which puts the cost of the PBS per person at a 10 year low, says …
Sandomigran update: packs reach wholesalers
AFT Pharmaceuticals has issued an update on the availability of Sandomigran, which has experienced accessibility issues of late. Due to packaging problems at the packing site in Europe a backlog …
Biochemical changes identified in rare inherited Alzheimer’s
Australian researchers have found biochemical changes occurring in the blood, in the rare inherited form of Alzheimer’s disease. Changes in these fat-like substances may suggest a method to diagnose all …
ASMI arguing for continued pharmacy codeine access
In its submission to the supplementary consultation on the scheduling of OTC codeine medicines, ASMI supported regulatory options that reduce the risk of codeine misuse, while retaining pharmacy access for …
Welcome to the Pharmacy Hunger Games
Pharmacies are now being forced to compete more ferociously than ever: are the odds in your favour? wonders Mouhamad Zoghbi Governments have used the technique of divide and conquer for …
Slightly fewer avoiding filling scripts on cost
There has been a small drop in the proportion of Australians delaying filling scripts because of cost – just one finding released by the Productivity Commission in its Report on …
Andrew Matthews, Rachael Raleigh in new SHPA appointments
Kristin Michaels, CEO of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia has announced two key staff appointments: Andrew Matthews and Rachael Raleigh. Michaels says that Andrew Matthews (pictured), as Senior …
Chemmart offering myDNA test nationwide
A genetic test that may help identify the right medication and dose for individuals will be offered by Chemmart stores throughout Australia from February. The myDNA test identifies how a …
Terry White Group boasts retail sales jump
Terry White Group has announced the network’s first half (to 31 December 2015) retail sales had increased 18%, outperforming the industry average growth rate significantly. Terry White Group CEO Anthony …
ASMI supports voluntary country of origin labelling
In its submission to the consultation on the Regulation Impact Statement for country of origin labelling, ASMI says it advocated for voluntary country of origin labelling for therapeutic goods. “ASMI …
Polypharmacy can trigger decline and death: Monash study
A new Monash University study has found that polypharmacy, defined as the simultaneous use of five or more medications, can trigger a decline into frailty and death. With nearly half …