NDARC
‘Dramatic increase’ in prescription cannabis
Most people are now accessing medical cannabis on script and in safer forms, but “concerning” trend shows many are being prescribed for conditions with no evidence of efficacy Around three-quarters …
‘Substantial’ rise in private scripts for opioids
A decline in PBS dispensing of opioid analgesics has been offset by a marked rise in private scripts, particularly for immediate release formulations, new data shows Opioid use in Australia …
Lengthy use underscores need for early assessment
Discharge from hospital is a common reason for initiating oxycodone, study finds, but a proportion of people were still taking the drug 12 months later… About half of new oxycodone …
‘The pendulum has swung the other way.’
What factors lead to opioid dependence? Researchers share findings, but warn that limits on pain medication—including paracetamol—may have a major impact on chronic pain With guidelines and restrictions brought in …
Warnings over nitrous oxide harms
“Nangs” now rescheduled with restrictions introduced in some states, as experts warn of serious risks for the increasingly popular drug With nitrous oxide reclassified as a Schedule 6 poison from …
Fentanyl use skyrockets
New data shows that Australia uses nearly 2,000% of its need for opioids, compared to some countries that are only able to access less than 1% of what they need …
The week in review
This week there was lots of news out of Seville, Spain, as announcements were made that will showcase Australians’ contribution to the profession Happy World Pharmacists Day to all our …
Latest on naloxone, e-cigs and illicit drug use
Has use of non-prescribed pharmaceutical opioids and nicotine e-cigarettes changed since monitoring and new laws kicked in? New Aussie reports share the latest data… Researchers from the National Drug & …
Promising results for extended-release buprenorphine
A study has shown high treatment retention and adherence, reduced substance use and depression, and improved quality of life among those receiving monthly BUP-XR Community use of long-acting buprenorphine has …
Is texting an effective smoking cessation tool?
Text messaging interventions can help people quit smoking, says researcher in launching a new study that will compare tailored text messaging to the standard Quitline Tobacco smoking is still a …
‘New kids on the block’ pose fresh risks
Leading addiction specialist warns about emerging misuse of non-opioid prescription drugs including quetiapine, gabapentinoids and ADHD medicine There are some “golden oldies” that are familiar when it comes to pharmaceutical …
The week in review
Vaccination against COVID-19 made the headlines again this week, following a second confirmed case of linked clotting disorder, and possibly a death Late this week, it was reported that a …