opioids
Who is at risk?
People who use cannabis, both medical or otherwise, are at increased risk of prescription opioid misuse – but medical cannabis users are not at higher risk of disorder A study …
New rules for opioids
The Health Minister has announced smaller opioid pack sizes and restrictions on the use of fentanyl patches In opening the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia 2019 Medicines Leadership Forum …
RB to pay over $2 billion in opioids case
To resolve potential criminal liability stemming from conduct alleged in the indictment of a former subsidiary in the United States, RB Group will forfeit nearly one billion in proceeds and …
Be prepared
How willing are community pharmacists to be trained about naloxone and opioid overdose prevention? New Australian research published in Science Direct found there is significant interest in attending such training, …
Four-times-stronger painkiller found in Endone pack
Pharmacists are being encouraged to inspect the contents of Endone 5mg tablets, after one pack was found to contain Anamorph 30mg The TGA has advised consumers and health professionals that …
Clinical tips: naloxone
Who should be offered naloxone? The range of patients may be wider than some health professionals and patients think, writes Carlene McMaugh Naloxone is an important medicine for preventing toxicity …
Toddler ingested lethal oxycodone dose: coroner
A coroner has emphasised the need for work towards real time monitoring to continue as a matter of urgency, in handing down findings on the death of a toddler The …
Traumatised pharmacist misappropriated morphine, codeine
A pharmacist has been ordered not to work more than 40 hours a week, after she took medicines from a hospital in 2014 For 10 weeks in 2014, the pharmacist …
Clinical tips: Opioid replacement therapy
Why should pharmacies participate in opioid replacement therapy programs? asks Karalyn Huxhagen There has been a comment of late on pharmacy social media sites as to whether pharmacists should charge …
Research Roundup
Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news Chronic use of tramadol after acute pain episode In this large study of USA of administrative claims data, people receiving tramadol …
Fentanyl variable, oxycodone up
Oxycodone use is on the rise, according to new data which analysed wastewater around the country In December 2018, 50 wastewater sites from all states and territories were monitored; based …
Widen RTM scope to all S3, S4 meds: coroner
A coroner has recommended making the ACT’s DORA system mandatory for all prescribers and pharmacists, after the death of a woman from multi-drug toxicity Forty-eight-year-old Lauren Maree Johnstone died in …