Shingrix to replace Zostavax on the National Immunisation Program The news has been welcomed by the Immunisation Coalition, but there are also concerns about eligibility restrictions.
Most antidepressants used for chronic pain lack evidence: Study The effectiveness and safety of many drugs commonly prescribed for chronic pain is not known, a Cochrane Review has found.
Budget reveals $5.7 billion general practice investment Funding will go towards the creation of a new level E consultation item, rebate indexation, telehealth, the bulk billing incentive, and multidisciplinary care.
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.
Evidence of ‘protocol deviation’ in Queensland UTI pilot The full evaluation of the UTI pharmacy prescribing pilot shows 192 women who received antibiotics should have been referred to a GP.
PBAC to review FP 50 decision Controls placed on GPs initiating PBS prescriptions of the commonly used paediatric asthma medicine will be revisited at the next intracycle meeting.
In Practice: Health of the Nation Members are being reminded to participate in Australia’s largest general practice survey to help shape the college’s advocacy goals.
‘Sobering’ statistics reveal childhood mental health trauma Emergency department presentations for intentional self-harming behaviours and eating disorders soared during the pandemic.
TGA confirms reduced paracetamol pack sizes The changes, due to come into effect from February 2025, are aimed at reducing Australian overdose and death numbers.
How will the vaping crackdown impact GPs? A host of new restrictions should make e-cigarettes less available, potentially leading to more patients seeking prescriptions – and help quitting vapes.