GPs warned amid ‘worrying spike’ in nitazenes The ‘illicit and dangerous’ synthetic opioid has been found in fake pain medication, as GPs ramp up calls for pill testing to be expanded.
Number of opioid prescriptions falls Monash University researchers also found a drop in long-term prescriptions but a rise in the number of prescriptions started by young people.
GPs’ naloxone reminder amid rising opioid overdoses GPs must have ‘non-judgemental, matter-of-fact conversations’ about the life-saving medicine, says a harm-reduction advocate.
Telehealth helps overcome addiction stigma: Study Many patients feel more trust when speaking to GPs online, according to researchers now calling for doctors to diversify their consulting options.
Opioid tool aims to help GPs have ‘challenging’ conversations With prescription opioid harm on the rise in Australia and new regulations requiring annual patient reviews, ROOM could save GPs valuable time.
Second Australian hydromorphone trial announced The new opiate treatment is meeting people ‘where they are at’ and could save those for whom methadone has not worked.
What are nitazenes? The synthetically produced opioids are more potent than fentanyl and have recently been detected in Australia.
Study shines light on oxycodone prescribing habits Regional patients are most likely to be first-time users, with a study warning GPs to use ‘careful assessment’ when prescribing.
Opioid prescriptions are down – but is dependence? While PBS listing revisions have potentially reduced opioid prescriptions, experts say more active treatment is required to reduce harm.
Opioid use in pregnancy linked to childhood illness According to new research, women who used opioids during pregnancy are more likely to have children with infections, eczema and asthma later in life.