Stroke Foundation urges nominations
The Stroke Foundation is encouraging Australians to nominate an inspirational person in their community for a 2015 Stroke Award. The National Stroke Foundation is urging locals to get their nominations …
How to handle the $1 pharmacy copayment discount
Don’t panic about the $1 pharmacy copayment discount—and don’t automatically assume you should offer it, writes Mal Scrymgeour
October 1 price disclosure changes announced
The latest round of price disclosure related price changes, which will come into effect on 1 October, 2015, have been announced. The chemotherapy drug capecitabine is to see a 52% …
GST only part of the health funding picture: Consumers Health Forum
Talk of expanding the GST to meet rising health costs is like prescribing the medicine before completing the diagnosis, says the Consumers Health Forum. “Tax is only part of the …
Genetic link to teen binge-eating
Binge-eating in teenagers may be linked to a gene variation, according to new research from the University of Queensland. The UQ Diamantina Institute’s Professor David Evans and a University College …
Blackmores wins seventh year as most trusted vitamins brand
Blackmores has been awarded the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand in the Vitamins & Supplements category for 2015— the seventh consecutive year the brand has received this accolade. The Trusted …
Health professional groups join Choosing Wisely
More colleges and societies have joined Choosing Wisely Australia, an initiative that is addressing unnecessary practices and questioning tests, treatments and procedures of proven low value. The number of participating …
Elderberry could provide jet lag relief: researchers
The negative health effects of international air travel are well documented, but it’s possible that the common elderberry can provide some relief, according to Griffith University researchers. Associate Professor Evelin …
Support non-dispensing pharmacists in health teams: AMA
The AMA has renewed its call for the Federal Government to support the AMA proposal to integrate non-dispensing pharmacists into GP-led primary health care teams. As part of AMA Family …
S8 meds rules too complex between states
Difference between state and territory regulations on S8 medicines create difficulties for prescribers, pharmacists and patients, an article published in the Medical Journal of Australia says. “The establishment of a …
Patients hurt by Medicare rebate freeze: AMA
The Australian Medical Association is using Family Doctor Week to highlight the “devastating” effect on patients from the freeze on Medicare patient rebates. It is warning of a sharp rise …
Non-aspirin NSAIDs only one of many heart risks
A renewed US Food and Drug Administration warning on non-aspirin NSAIDs and cardiovascular health is in line with current TGA recommendations – and community pharmacy can help educate consumers about …