New overdose report a ‘wake-up call’ Nearly 1800 drug-induced deaths were recorded in 2021 – equivalent to five per day – a new UNSW report has found.
In Practice: Prescription Shopping Information Service changes From May, GPs will no longer be able to receive a copy of a Patient Summary Report via fax, Services Australia has advised.
‘It’s a no-brainer’: Prominent backing grows for extended dispensing In Parliament this week Dr Monique Ryan asked the Health Minister to put in place the 2018 PBAC recommendation for 60-day limits.
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.
GPs back renewed push for extended dispensing rules It has been nearly five years since the PBAC recommended increasing maximum dispensed quantities of prescriptions.
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.
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.
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.