Codeine use down by 37% since up-scheduling Use of the drug has dropped substantially across all jurisdictions, a new wastewater-based epidemiology report suggests.
Concerns over growing misuse of Rikodeine cough medicine The addictive cough suppressant is popular among young people, more potent than codeine, and poses a serious risk of harm.
Changes to ‘redundant’ prescription monitoring services GPs will no longer be able to register for the Prescription Shopping Information Service using a hard copy form.
Prescriber shock: ‘My patient is lying to me’ Real-time prescription monitoring is no silver bullet, but GPs can use it to help patients make better health choices, writes Dr Hester Wilson.
Opioid deaths show importance of prescription monitoring: Coroner In two reports, a Tasmanian coroner said prescribers should be signed up to real time prescription monitoring and check current authorities.
Have GPs been supported for vaping to go prescription-only from October? Patients are already being urged to see their GP ahead of the change to discuss their smoking cessation options, even though the TGA is yet to register any nicotine vaping products.
Providing help that is needed but not wanted Dr Thileepan Naren’s choice to persevere with a patient during their recovery from opioid addiction led to triumphant outcomes.
How can opioid deaths be reduced? New studies further verify the benefits of pharmacotherapy for opioid dependence in greatly reducing all-cause mortality rates.
Who is seeking pharmacotherapy treatment for opioid dependence? Annual data examines who, where and why on a ‘snapshot day’ in 2020, and how treatment has progressed.
SafeScript reduces some harms, but exacerbates others: Researchers More integrated mental health and drug treatment services may be needed to offset the risk of increased mortality.