opioids
AI learning to predict poor opioid outcomes
Machine learning could help identify people at risk of adverse outcomes from being prescribed opioids, new research suggests Researchers at Canada’s University of Alberta have begun using a form of …
‘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 …
‘Just changing to prescription only doesn’t solve these issues.’
One pharmacy is accused of selling codeine daily to up to 50 people… but stakeholders calling for Ireland to follow in Australia’s footsteps may be “sorely disappointed,” warns a leading …
World news wrapup: 20 October 2022
Sex for pills pharmacist sentenced in the US; Toronto crime wave; UK Health Secretary shares prescription meds with a friend Media, Pennsylvania: A pharmacist has been sentenced to four years’ …
Research Roundup
Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news Co-prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines/Z-drugs associated with all-cause mortality In this large population study, patients prescribed benzodiazepines/Z drugs and weak opioids …
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 …
‘We found the pharmacist’s interaction … showed up errors we were making.’
An embedded GP pharmacist led to enhanced medication safety, improved communication and better quality of life for patients, a new Australian study has found A new qualitative study has found …
World news wrapup: 25 August 2022
Three pharmacy giants told to cough up more than $900 million over opioids; codeine crisis in Ireland; NZ woman convicted over forged scripts Cleveland, Ohio: A US District judge has …
World news wrapup: 18 August 2022
Fancy a $100k signing bonus? Walgreens to appeal opioid crisis ruling; pharmacist solves child’s monster problem United States: The pharmacist shortage has led Walgreens to try and tempt pharmacists to …
Prescribers need to kick ‘opioid-first’ habit
A new standard of care will help hospital pharmacists reduce inappropriate supply of opioids, stakeholders say Thousands of Australians at risk from long-term reliance on opioid analgesics following short-term use …
World news wrapup: 21 April 2022
Pharmacist caught ordering and selling $17k worth of diabetic test strips; murder of pharmacist in Lebanon condemned; Kenya cracks down on illegal pharmacies Wolverhampton, England: A pharmacist was caught “red-handed” …