Shingles
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a human DNA virus that is a member of the herpes family. Primary infection with VZV manifests as varicella, commonly known as chickenpox. The virus …
The week in review
Pharmacy has been under fire from several directions this week, as the dust settles following the release of the King review interim paper Pharmacy was condemned in mainstream media this …
Skincare: time to reap the rewards
While pharmacy has the largest market share in skincare, there’s more to be done to leverage the category, writes Leanne Philpott Australia’s skincare market is worth $1.86 billion… and with …
Alternatives to codeine pain relief
From 1 February 2018, all products containing codeine will only be available by prescription, so people looking for over-the-counter pain relief will need to use an alternative product. It is …
Illicit drugs: a snapshot
A new report by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission has revealed trends in the supply and demand of illicit drugs Minister for Justice Michael Keenan launched the report alongside ACIC …
Doctors castigated for overprescribing antibiotics
The Chief Medical Officer has sent out more than 5000 letters to GPs with the highest prescribing rates Australia’s highest antibiotic-prescribing GPs have been targeted with a letter from Chief …
‘Busy battlers’ keep going despite winter ills
Worrying attitudes towards colds and flu have been highlighted by a new survey Nearly 40% of Australian adults prefer to “push through regardless” and carry on as normal when they …
Pharmacy screening ‘opportunistic, wasteful’
The Australian Medical Association has slammed pharmacy pathology testing, calling it “bordering on irresponsible” On Monday 26 June, Sigma’s Amcal Pharmacy network rolled out a pathology testing initiative, under a …
Vitamin D not on Aussies’ radar
One in five Australians have “no idea” about what benefit vitamin D has Australians lack awareness about vitamin D – despite nearly 25% being deficient in the vitamin, new research …
Clinical tips: diabetes
Pharmacists are the frontline warriors in managing diabetes medicines, writes Louis Roller One person develops diabetes every five minutes. Around 1.5 million Australians have diabetes. This includes all types of …
New pharmacy pay rates
An increase in the award minimum will kick off on 1 July, Fair Work Commission has announced The commission has announced a 3.3% increase in award minimum rates, which will …
$15 million for CSO wholesalers
Wholesalers have welcomed CSO changes which will see them receive $15 million extra in offset funding The National Pharmaceutical Services Association, Australia’s peak organisation representing full-line pharmaceutical wholesalers, says it …