Three perspectives on probiotics
Probiotics are a growing global commodity, with the pharmacist being called upon to help customers sort the facts from the fictionWhile a myriad health claims exist with very limited clinical …
Pharmacists frustrated by medicines shortages
Price disclosure policy and lack of support adding to our stress, say pharmacists“There’s not a day when there’s not a medicine somebody needs that we don’t have,” a pharmacist told researchers …
Codeine decision date unknown
The long-awaited decision on the rescheduling of codeine-containing medicines may not be revealed anytime soon.In response to questions from AJP Daily, a Department of Health spokesperson said: “The TGA is …
Delays have occurred: NDSS
Service admits there have been some temporary product shortages and lists specific product linesAJP reported on Wednesday that some diabetes patients have been unable to access supplies following changes to …
Obesity second only to smoking in premature death risk
A study of 3.9 million adults published today in The Lancet has confirmed that being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of premature death and is second …
Clinical tips: Hepatitis
Hepatitis C is curable, and all Australians living with the disease should be considered for antiviral therapy, writes Louis RollerHepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver, often characterised by …
Evolving safety role for pharmacists as consumers go online
As interest in buying medicines online grows, consumers will need to be more cautious than ever about where they buy their drugs, NPS MedicineWise’ Lynn Weekes warns – which means …
Reminder to lock up shop after pharmacy robbery
One Sydney pharmacist learnt the hard way after a robber took the opportunity to demand codeine, Oxycontin, and cashThe pharmacist had arrived at her place of work, Sydney Cove Chemist …
Health department still in limbo
While the government’s official caretaker period is over, the Health Department is still unable to move forward confidently with any plansAn official internal Department of Health email obtained by PharmaDispatch …
Early success for ‘Ask Your Pharmacist’ campaign
The second phase of the campaign has seen an 875% rise in people visiting the site seeking health adviceMost of these (89%) are new visitors to the site (AskYourPharmacist.com.au) seeking advice …
Weekly Dose: Valium, the ‘safer choice’ that led to dependence and addiction
Weekly Dose: Valium, the ‘safer choice’ that led to dependence and addictionMoira Sim, Edith Cowan UniversityValium is a brand name for diazepam, which belongs to a group of drugs called …
Trust pharmacists, not chefs, on sunscreen
Pharmacists are in a good position to help educate Australians about health claims such as this week’s assertions by chef Paleo Pete that sunscreens are “poisonous”, says a spokesperson for …