‘This decision will save lives’: Call for evidence-based approach to drugs Australia-wide The RACGP has welcomed Victoria’s decision to make a medically supervised injecting room ongoing, with GP Dr Hester Wilson urging other jurisdictions to take note.
Support for proposed expansion of drug diversion program The Queensland Government has introduced legislation that would see people receive a warning for first time minor drug possession.
Trial aims to improve therapy access for insomnia The pilot is designed to better support GPs with management, referral pathways and non-drug interventions for patients with insomnia.
Study weighs up impact of different drug dosages for men and women New research that has found women are not just ‘smaller versions of men’ could help to reduce adverse reactions to medication.
TGA flags possible amendments to paracetamol Poisons Standard Wider consultation is being sought on amending current access controls, following a review into the risks of intentional self-poisoning.
Could anticipatory deprescribing allow better COVID treatment? Despite being more effective according to some studies, Paxlovid prescriptions lag Lagevrio, with drug–drug interactions likely to play a part.
Australia’s first fixed pill-testing site opens in ACT The Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Addiction Medicine has welcomed the ‘highly significant’ launch, which is part of a six-month trial.
Should paracetamol be up scheduled? The TGA has launched a review to inform whether changes to the scheduling and access controls of paracetamol are necessary.
Weaning plans at heart of new opioid care standard The guidelines, the first national clinical care standard for prescription opioid use in acute care, are designed to minimise the risks of harm.
Study finds statin intolerance overestimated and overdiagnosed Fewer than 10% of patients prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs experience side effects, according to the world’s largest study on statin intolerance.