Entering aged care with new GP linked to medication increase In particular, people with dementia are likely to be prescribed more antipsychotics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants if they change their GP.
Pandemic challenging Australia’s medication supply chains COVID-19 has severely impacted global medicine supply chains, presenting the potential for ‘real patient harm’.
Majority of aged care medication plans going unchecked Contrary to guideline recommendations, only one in five older Australians receives a timely Residential Medication Management Review.
Oral furosemide a welcome addition to Prescriber Bag The diuretic has been added to the list of emergency medications following RACGP advocacy, in what GPs say is an important precedent.
New principles a ‘positive step’ for frail older people Australian researchers have led an international effort to develop medication management principles for what is a vulnerable patient cohort.
Asthma medication shortages reported as Victorians bunker down Stockpiling and wholesaler restrictions are leading to localised shortages, forcing patients to go hunting for the vital medications.
Surge in hardship provisions risks shortages during pandemic GPs using hardship provisions to help patients self-isolate with supplies of medication may need to use new alternatives, the DoH warns.
GPs to receive DoH letter aimed at cutting use of psychotropic medications The Department of Health wants to reduce psychotropics in aged care – but GPs already know the drugs are not a first line treatment for dementia, according to the RACGP President.
Opioid pack changes ‘long overdue’, but more reform needed From 2020, opioid packages will be smaller and feature improved labels with clearer warnings and consumer information.
Convenience store push to sell medicines met with pharmacist resistance But should restrictions on pharmacy- and pharmacist-only medicine be reviewed?