The week in review
Two drugs have been causing debate this week: cannabis and, predictably, codeine A group of doctors wrote to the Medical Journal of Australia on behalf of the Royal Australasian College …
Acid suppressants for babies don’t work
GPs are over-prescribing acid suppressant medicines for babies with GORD and reflux, new research has found The report, in Archives of Disease in Childhood, is based on a prospective study …
Confusion reigns as codeine shortage continues
Consumers are speaking out about the lack of stock situation in pharmacies – and they’re not happy In a piece titled “Codeine ban is one painful bungle after another,” News …
Don’t expect McDreamy at the hospital
TV provides unrealistic expectations of emergency healthcare, contributing to lower levels of patient satisfaction, says a new study Sure, go ahead and daydream about those gorgeous Hollywood doctors and their …
Pain group takes aim at Pain MedsChecks
Another stakeholder has alleged that pharmacists are responsible for the increased price of low-dose codeine – and taken aim at Pain MedsChecks Chronic Pain Australia, which represents people living with …
ACT opioid maintenance changes
The ACT’s opioid maintenance guidelines have been strengthened, with take-away dosing limits to be reviewed in 2018 Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris has announced the ACT’s existing opioid …
Considering the future
Why telling people they could get sick in the future won’t persuade them to be healthy now Eating a delicious doughnut now seems more rewarding than the nebulous concept of …
“We need to raise the bar”
PSA president says current levels of med-related hospitalisations are not good enough, but pharmacists can’t help without access to data Pharmacists are expected to contribute to healthcare and reduce medication …
Clinical tips: epilepsy
Louis Roller takes a look at epilepsy, including a medicinal cannabis update Epilepsy is defined as a chronic seizure disorder, or group of disorders, characterised by seizures that usually recur …
Outrage over medicinal cannabis stance
The RACP has been criticised over its MJA article calling for caution with prescription cannabinoids A Sydney University academic has criticised an article published on behalf of the Royal Australasian …
Pharmacists copping codeine price fury
Anger over the increased price of low-dose codeine is growing – and pharmacists are in the firing line Pharmacy Guild NSW Branch president David Heffernan has hit back at claims …
Vic takes action on anti-vax ‘rogue doctors’
Victoria has passed legislation which means doctors will no longer be able to make false statements about a child’s ability to be immunised The Andrews Labor Government says it is …