‘A wake-up call’: GPs issued warning over semaglutide prescribing The DoHAC has delivered ‘education letters’ to more than 1000 doctors found to be prescribing the medication under the PBS, but failing to follow the criteria.
Examining the pros and cons of semaglutide A new study finds lowered risk of 42 health outcomes and increased risk of 19 for people using GLP-1RAs, highlighting the ‘far-reaching potential’ of the drugs.
GLP-1 receptor agonists linked to kidney failure prevention: Study It found the diabetes and weight-loss drugs can reduce deterioration regardless of diabetes status, but supply remains an issue.
Diabetes medication restrictions incoming More red tape is on the way after the PBAC recommended GPs gain additional approval before starting patients on Qtern 5/10.
Sweeping change needed amid ‘diabetes epidemic’: Inquiry The RACGP says prevention is key, as Medicare reform, bolstered rural access, sugar taxes, and CGM subsidies were all recommended.
Replica Ozempic and Mounjaro to be banned The Government has removed a loophole allowing the mass production of the compounded drugs amid growing patient safety concerns.
RACGP opposes GLP-1 RA prescribing restrictions Changing the authority type for initiating the diabetes medication will make it difficult for ‘already burdened’ GPs to negotiate, the PBS has been told.
GLP-1 RA prescribing checks flagged GPs may soon need Services Australia approval prior to prescribing the diabetes medications, following evidence of ‘high use’ outside of PBS restrictions.
Debate over ‘doctor-approved’ weight loss drugs obtained online Is a GP-reviewed online questionnaire clinically sufficient to safely prescribe injectable medications without a face-to-face consultation? It depends who you ask.
Semaglutide unavailable in Australia until April 2023 GPs have been told not to initiate any new patients on either semaglutide or dulaglutide, which will also only have ‘limited availability’.