Pharmacists’ codeine fears overstated, GP says While pharmacists have raised concerns about a shortage of low-dose codeine, Dr Evan Ackermann, a GP with a special interest in drugs of dependence, says the evidence supports up-scheduling.
Transvaginal mesh implants inquiry: What GPs need to know Dr Magdalena Simonis – GP and RACGP representative on the recent Senate inquiry into transvaginal mesh implants – writes for newsGP about the outcomes of the inquiry, and what they mean for GPs and their patients.
Side effects from transvaginal mesh: How GPs can help The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently banned the use of transvaginal mesh products for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.
One of the many faces of codeine addiction Jessica Khachan lives in Sydney with her husband and two kids, who are 14 and 12, in what she describes as ‘a normal suburban household’. She is also one of the increasing number of Australians with a history of codeine addiction.
RACGP President wants states to consider patient safety in codeine up-scheduling RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel has called on Australian health ministers to consider patients before making any decisions that will soften codeine regulations.
RACGP 12-point opioid challenge With the issue of pain management becoming increasingly prevalent in Australian healthcare, GPs are often at the forefront of dealing with patients experiencing chronic non-cancer pain. However, the role of opioids in treating these patients has raised increasing concerns about safety. ‘For many people, good pain management can transform their quality of life,’ RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel said. ‘Unfortunately, what we have been seeing is an exploitation of painkilling medications.’
RACGP President says no need for further review of codeine restrictions RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel says the time for analysis of codeine up-scheduling is over and state governments’ statements on the issue are unhelpful when they lack evidence. ‘The evidence is clear: codeine is dangerous and the current situation is leading to very severe outcomes. One hundred codeine-related deaths per year is simply unacceptable, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg,’ Dr Seidel said.
RACGP calls for system-wide reform for pain management in Australia The RACGP has called for system-wide reform for pain management in Australia ahead of the release of the latest part of its Prescribing drugs of dependence in general practice. The college wants to ensure a better balance between quality management and minimising harms.
Australians misusing painkillers Figures have shown that 75% of recent painkiller/opioid misusers in Australia reported misusing an over-the-counter codeine product in 2016. This follows recent news that drug-induced deaths in Australia are at their highest rates in almost two decades, with opioids killing more people than illicit drugs methamphetamines and heroin.