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[post_content] => Pregabalin is being used far beyond its approved indications. With rising concerns over safety, the focus is shifting to careful, individualised deprescribing strategies.
Gabapentinoids, such as pregabalin and gabapentin, were registered by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) in the early 2000s for epileptic seizures and neuropathic pain.
But it was when pregabalin (Lyrica) was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in 2013 for refractory neuropathic pain unable to be controlled by other drugs, that prescribing of the drug really took off.
By the 2018–19 financial year, pregabalin became the sixth most prescribed subsidised drug in Australia, with over 3.5 million PBS subsidised prescriptions issued.
The highest rate of prescribing of pregabalin is for women over 80 years of age, with one in 10 taking the medicine. Yet this cohort of patients is also at high risk due to their susceptibility to adverse effects.
Originally developed as anti-epileptic drugs, it was discovered that gabapentinoids work for some types of neuropathic pain by dampening down nerve transmission, said credentialed pharmacist and pain educator Dr Peter Tenni MPS.
[caption id="attachment_29018" align="alignright" width="335"]
Dr Peter Tenni[/caption]
‘But over the years, they have been used for all sorts of nerve-related pain, some of which is not neuropathic,’ he said.
Because gabapentinoids are broad-acting drugs, they have other effects – such as reducing anxiety, leading to approval for use in the United Kingdom for this indication.
‘If you have a drug that reduces anxiety, you will feel better – so a lot of people have a subjective improvement,’ Dr Tenni said. ‘But when you ask them about their pain, it’s no better.’
The topic of reduction or cessation frequently elicits a strong reaction from patients.
‘Patients will say, “Oh no, don’t touch the Lyrica. It's working so well for me” – even when they haven’t seen an improvement in their pain,’ he said. ‘The big issue in the last 5–10 years has been dependence on these drugs.’
What nerve pain conditions does pregabalin actually help?
Only two types of neuropathic pain: diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia have strong evidence for effectiveness, said Dr Tenni.
‘There's also some evidence for fibromyalgia, which is not truly a neuropathic pain,’ he added.
The use of pregabalin for other indications such as non-specific back pain, sciatica or even back pain with neurological features is not evidence based.
‘There's no evidence that pregabalin is any better than placebo for these indications,’ Dr Tenni said.
In fact, around two out of every three prescriptions of pregabalin are for non-valid indications, most commonly for back pain and nerve sensitisation due to chronic pain, Dr Tenni said.
‘Although people feel better, and therefore may be able to tolerate their pain better, it's not actually treating the underlying problems.’
Gabapentinoids also come with a host of unpleasant adverse effects, including:
How should we deprescribe gabapentinoids, according to the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines[/caption]
‘So it’s more difficult in terms of withdrawal symptoms to drop from 25 mg to 0 mg than it is to drop from 600 mg to 300 mg.’
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[post_content] => The PSA hosted the General Practice Pharmacists Symposium in Melbourne on Friday 28 March, bringing leading voices and over 100 delegates together to explore the evolving role of pharmacists in general practice.
It is the first General Practice Pharmacists Symposium hosted by PSA, following 2 years delivered by the WentWest PHN in New South Wales.
As part of the symposium, PSA hosted a panel discussion featuring leaders from key pharmacy and medical groups including PSA’s Consultant Pharmacist Advisor Debbie Rigby FPS and representatives from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and Australian Medical Association (AMA) – facilitating constructive dialogue about the evolving role of pharmacists in general practice and the benefits of collaborative multidisciplinary models of care.
[gallery type="flexslider" size="full" ids="29011,29003,29002,29006,29012,29008,29007,29009,29005"]
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS reiterated PSA’s commitment to medicine safety and workforce support.
‘We know that each year 250,000 Australians are admitted to hospitals due to medication-related problems, which is only set to rise with the growing prevalence of chronic health conditions,’ she said.
‘We must support our health care system to meet this demand by investing in multidisciplinary care now, supporting general practitioners to grow their teams and foster greater pharmacist-GP collaboration to achieve true patient-centred care.
Pharmacists can make irreplaceable invaluable contribution in and within the general practice team.
‘Investing in isolated funding for QUM and medicine safety will directly benefit our health system and most importantly improve patient care,’ A/Prof Sim said.
‘The work that we’re doing today is building on more than 13 years of PSA advocacy for general practice pharmacists, from establishing pilot projects with primary health networks to embed pharmacists in general practices around the country to developing best practice frameworks to support the work pharmacists do as part of multidisciplinary teams.’
A/Prof Sim also pointed to PSA’s election platform advocacy, which calls for the doubling of the Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) to properly fund general practice pharmacists into the future.
‘This election, PSA is fighting for long-term, sustainable funding to encourage general practices to embed pharmacists into their teams, properly funding pharmacist roles through the Workforce Incentive Program,’ she said.
‘I once again wish to thank WentWest PHN for their leadership in establishing the Pharmacist in General Practice National Symposium in 2022, a legacy which PSA is proud to carry on.’
[post_title] => What transpired at the inaugural GP-Pharmacists Symposium?
[post_excerpt] => PSA's inaugural GP Pharmacists Symposium underscored the expanding scope of the profession – and the policy gaps that still need closing.
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[post_content] => The PSA South Australia and Northern Territory branch presented its 2025 Pharmacist Awards over the weekend, highlighting the outstanding achievements of pharmacists across a range of categories.
Presenting the awards in Adelaide, PSA SA/NT President Dr Manya Angley FPS said tonight’s recipients exemplify the dedication, innovation, and leadership that drive pharmacy forward.
‘PSA awards recognise outstanding pharmacists who go above and beyond to support their patients, their communities, and the profession,’ she said. ‘Their contributions make a real difference in the lives of their patients and strengthen the role pharmacists play in delivering quality healthcare.’
SA/NT Pharmacist of the Year Jaimee Anderson MPS
Providing diabetes education to clients attending her local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service, as well as a General Practice in the remote hometown of Katherine, Ms Anderson is also a pharmacist vaccination trainer. She now specialises in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients with youth onset and pregnancy-related type 2 diabetes as well as gestational diabetes.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Simone Rossi MPS
Few pharmacists in Australia have had the widespread impact of Ms Rossi in providing evidence-based medicines information. She was the primary architect of the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) – the shared point of care resource for clinicians, as its editorial consultant, leading its production for over 30 years. From the template on how things were presented in the resource, to the use of the active rather than passive voice, to mentoring the editorial teams in the science of evidence-based information gathering, the AMH is truly a life's work and passion. She has also contributed to the DVA’s Veterans’ MATES and National Prescribing Service (NPS) MedicineWise programs, including NPS News and NPS Radar and the Central Australian Rural Practitioners Association treatment manuals. Over this time, Simone has also been a clinical lecturer at the University of South Australia.
SA/NT Early Career Pharmacist of the Year Maria Cooper MPS
Researcher, part-time community pharmacist and tutor in pharmacy practice, dosage form design and pharmacotherapeutics at the University of South Australia, Ms Cooper has published articles on workplace stress during the pandemic – which led to the development of the world’s first ECP-dedicated peer support program. A speaker at PSA24, she earned the Outstanding Oral Presentation award.
SA/NT Intern Pharmacist of the Year Jessie Wattie MPS
Passionate about patient care, Ms Wattie has contributed to medication reviews and deprescribing at three aged care facilities with on-site pharmacists, and participated in multidisciplinary programs including the Country Health Connect Cardio Rehabilitation program and the Pain Collective. She upskilled in vaccination and mental health training and created a streamlined system to assist her pharmacist colleagues with documenting the distribution of nicotine vaping products with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
All-star student
University of South Australia student Imogen Bates was also awarded PSA’s most prestigious student award, the Gold Medal, awarded periodically after completing the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree with the highest grade point average above 6.25. The award, which began in 1896, was given to Ms Bates who, as well as excelling academically, travelled to the Philippines as part of the New Colombo Plan.
‘Each of our award recipients demonstrates excellence in their area of practice and their achievements inspire us all to continue stepping up for our communities,’ Dr Angley said.
‘On behalf of PSA, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our award recipients. Their passion and commitment reflect the very best of our profession, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.’
[post_title] => SA/NT top pharmacists recognised at PSA awards
[post_excerpt] => The PSA SA/NT2025 Pharmacist Awards over the weekend highlighted the outstanding achievements of pharmacists across a range of categories.
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[post_content] => Following the success of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, Queensland Minister for Health Tim Nicholls MP announced last week that pharmacist-prescribing for a range of acute conditions will become a permanent feature of Queensland’s health system.
It’s only a matter of time before this takes place in other jurisdictions across Australia.
To prepare pharmacists to step into this exciting new role, AP talks to PSA’s prescribing guru Jacob Warner about how to get there.
Pharmacists have always prescribed, but they have the potential to prescribe much more
Pharmacists have long been prescribing vaccines and over-the-counter medicines to patients.
While prescribing authority has traditionally been reserved for medical practitioners, nurses, and dentists, there’s a growing trend toward expanding prescribing rights to pharmacists. This shift aims to alleviate pressures on healthcare systems and enhance patient access to necessary medical treatment, reflecting a broader, multidisciplinary approach to patient care and medication management.
‘There is a clear desire from various state health departments for pharmacists to upskill in prescribing treatment for acute ailments and chronic disease management of certain conditions,’ Mr Warner said.
What does it mean to become a pharmacist prescriber?
Prescribing is an iterative process that includes collecting information, making clinical judgments, communicating effectively, and evaluating outcomes, ultimately leading to the initiation, continuation, or discontinuation of medication.
The Health Practitioner Prescribing Pathway (HPPP) outlined three principal prescribing models to ensure safe and effective prescribing by health professionals, such as pharmacists, who are not medical doctors:
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[post_content] => The 2025 federal election is fast approaching, with the process due to occur within less than 2 months.
Both the Albanese government and the Coalition have made numerous pharmacist-focused election promises, putting the profession in a strong position for positive outcomes.
Today, PSA launched its 2025 federal election platform, asking political parties and independents to back changes that allow and support pharmacists to play a bigger role in healthcare and help Aussies stay healthier.
‘Australia’s healthcare system is facing growing pressure, with an ageing population and increasingly complex health needs. Pharmacists are a critical, yet underutilised, part of the solution,’ said PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim.
‘This election campaign is an opportunity for commitments to be made to break down those barriers, expand pharmacists’ scope of practice, and ensure pharmacists are supported to deliver for Australians.’
Australian Pharmacist has rounded up the key election asks, and what impact they will have on pharmacists, patients and the healthcare system.
Implement all recommendations of the Scope of Practice Review
To address Australia’s healthcare challenges, the Scope of Practice Review’s final report Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce outlined 18 recommendations.
There are two key priority actions that can be rapidly implemented that would lead to significant change.
Upskilling pharmacist workforce to practise at full scope
Over recent years, pharmacists have been integrating into broader primary care environments, such as general practice and Aboriginal Health Services. Community pharmacy pilot programs across various Australian jurisdictions have allowed
pharmacists to extend their responsibilities, responding directly to local health care gaps and community needs.
However, pharmacists often face significant barriers to expanding their clinical roles, with comprehensive training programs necessary for these new responsibilities requiring investment of both time and money.
To address these hurdles, PSA recommends funding for 8,000 pharmacist training positions over 5 years to facilitate complete scope training, encompassing:
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[post_content] => Pregabalin is being used far beyond its approved indications. With rising concerns over safety, the focus is shifting to careful, individualised deprescribing strategies.
Gabapentinoids, such as pregabalin and gabapentin, were registered by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) in the early 2000s for epileptic seizures and neuropathic pain.
But it was when pregabalin (Lyrica) was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in 2013 for refractory neuropathic pain unable to be controlled by other drugs, that prescribing of the drug really took off.
By the 2018–19 financial year, pregabalin became the sixth most prescribed subsidised drug in Australia, with over 3.5 million PBS subsidised prescriptions issued.
The highest rate of prescribing of pregabalin is for women over 80 years of age, with one in 10 taking the medicine. Yet this cohort of patients is also at high risk due to their susceptibility to adverse effects.
Originally developed as anti-epileptic drugs, it was discovered that gabapentinoids work for some types of neuropathic pain by dampening down nerve transmission, said credentialed pharmacist and pain educator Dr Peter Tenni MPS.
[caption id="attachment_29018" align="alignright" width="335"] Dr Peter Tenni[/caption]
‘But over the years, they have been used for all sorts of nerve-related pain, some of which is not neuropathic,’ he said.
Because gabapentinoids are broad-acting drugs, they have other effects – such as reducing anxiety, leading to approval for use in the United Kingdom for this indication.
‘If you have a drug that reduces anxiety, you will feel better – so a lot of people have a subjective improvement,’ Dr Tenni said. ‘But when you ask them about their pain, it’s no better.’
The topic of reduction or cessation frequently elicits a strong reaction from patients.
‘Patients will say, “Oh no, don’t touch the Lyrica. It's working so well for me” – even when they haven’t seen an improvement in their pain,’ he said. ‘The big issue in the last 5–10 years has been dependence on these drugs.’
What nerve pain conditions does pregabalin actually help?
Only two types of neuropathic pain: diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia have strong evidence for effectiveness, said Dr Tenni.
‘There's also some evidence for fibromyalgia, which is not truly a neuropathic pain,’ he added.
The use of pregabalin for other indications such as non-specific back pain, sciatica or even back pain with neurological features is not evidence based.
‘There's no evidence that pregabalin is any better than placebo for these indications,’ Dr Tenni said.
In fact, around two out of every three prescriptions of pregabalin are for non-valid indications, most commonly for back pain and nerve sensitisation due to chronic pain, Dr Tenni said.
‘Although people feel better, and therefore may be able to tolerate their pain better, it's not actually treating the underlying problems.’
Gabapentinoids also come with a host of unpleasant adverse effects, including:
How should we deprescribe gabapentinoids, according to the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines[/caption]
‘So it’s more difficult in terms of withdrawal symptoms to drop from 25 mg to 0 mg than it is to drop from 600 mg to 300 mg.’
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[post_content] => The PSA hosted the General Practice Pharmacists Symposium in Melbourne on Friday 28 March, bringing leading voices and over 100 delegates together to explore the evolving role of pharmacists in general practice.
It is the first General Practice Pharmacists Symposium hosted by PSA, following 2 years delivered by the WentWest PHN in New South Wales.
As part of the symposium, PSA hosted a panel discussion featuring leaders from key pharmacy and medical groups including PSA’s Consultant Pharmacist Advisor Debbie Rigby FPS and representatives from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and Australian Medical Association (AMA) – facilitating constructive dialogue about the evolving role of pharmacists in general practice and the benefits of collaborative multidisciplinary models of care.
[gallery type="flexslider" size="full" ids="29011,29003,29002,29006,29012,29008,29007,29009,29005"]
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS reiterated PSA’s commitment to medicine safety and workforce support.
‘We know that each year 250,000 Australians are admitted to hospitals due to medication-related problems, which is only set to rise with the growing prevalence of chronic health conditions,’ she said.
‘We must support our health care system to meet this demand by investing in multidisciplinary care now, supporting general practitioners to grow their teams and foster greater pharmacist-GP collaboration to achieve true patient-centred care.
Pharmacists can make irreplaceable invaluable contribution in and within the general practice team.
‘Investing in isolated funding for QUM and medicine safety will directly benefit our health system and most importantly improve patient care,’ A/Prof Sim said.
‘The work that we’re doing today is building on more than 13 years of PSA advocacy for general practice pharmacists, from establishing pilot projects with primary health networks to embed pharmacists in general practices around the country to developing best practice frameworks to support the work pharmacists do as part of multidisciplinary teams.’
A/Prof Sim also pointed to PSA’s election platform advocacy, which calls for the doubling of the Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) to properly fund general practice pharmacists into the future.
‘This election, PSA is fighting for long-term, sustainable funding to encourage general practices to embed pharmacists into their teams, properly funding pharmacist roles through the Workforce Incentive Program,’ she said.
‘I once again wish to thank WentWest PHN for their leadership in establishing the Pharmacist in General Practice National Symposium in 2022, a legacy which PSA is proud to carry on.’
[post_title] => What transpired at the inaugural GP-Pharmacists Symposium?
[post_excerpt] => PSA's inaugural GP Pharmacists Symposium underscored the expanding scope of the profession – and the policy gaps that still need closing.
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[post_content] => The PSA South Australia and Northern Territory branch presented its 2025 Pharmacist Awards over the weekend, highlighting the outstanding achievements of pharmacists across a range of categories.
Presenting the awards in Adelaide, PSA SA/NT President Dr Manya Angley FPS said tonight’s recipients exemplify the dedication, innovation, and leadership that drive pharmacy forward.
‘PSA awards recognise outstanding pharmacists who go above and beyond to support their patients, their communities, and the profession,’ she said. ‘Their contributions make a real difference in the lives of their patients and strengthen the role pharmacists play in delivering quality healthcare.’
SA/NT Pharmacist of the Year Jaimee Anderson MPS
Providing diabetes education to clients attending her local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service, as well as a General Practice in the remote hometown of Katherine, Ms Anderson is also a pharmacist vaccination trainer. She now specialises in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients with youth onset and pregnancy-related type 2 diabetes as well as gestational diabetes.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Simone Rossi MPS
Few pharmacists in Australia have had the widespread impact of Ms Rossi in providing evidence-based medicines information. She was the primary architect of the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) – the shared point of care resource for clinicians, as its editorial consultant, leading its production for over 30 years. From the template on how things were presented in the resource, to the use of the active rather than passive voice, to mentoring the editorial teams in the science of evidence-based information gathering, the AMH is truly a life's work and passion. She has also contributed to the DVA’s Veterans’ MATES and National Prescribing Service (NPS) MedicineWise programs, including NPS News and NPS Radar and the Central Australian Rural Practitioners Association treatment manuals. Over this time, Simone has also been a clinical lecturer at the University of South Australia.
SA/NT Early Career Pharmacist of the Year Maria Cooper MPS
Researcher, part-time community pharmacist and tutor in pharmacy practice, dosage form design and pharmacotherapeutics at the University of South Australia, Ms Cooper has published articles on workplace stress during the pandemic – which led to the development of the world’s first ECP-dedicated peer support program. A speaker at PSA24, she earned the Outstanding Oral Presentation award.
SA/NT Intern Pharmacist of the Year Jessie Wattie MPS
Passionate about patient care, Ms Wattie has contributed to medication reviews and deprescribing at three aged care facilities with on-site pharmacists, and participated in multidisciplinary programs including the Country Health Connect Cardio Rehabilitation program and the Pain Collective. She upskilled in vaccination and mental health training and created a streamlined system to assist her pharmacist colleagues with documenting the distribution of nicotine vaping products with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
All-star student
University of South Australia student Imogen Bates was also awarded PSA’s most prestigious student award, the Gold Medal, awarded periodically after completing the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree with the highest grade point average above 6.25. The award, which began in 1896, was given to Ms Bates who, as well as excelling academically, travelled to the Philippines as part of the New Colombo Plan.
‘Each of our award recipients demonstrates excellence in their area of practice and their achievements inspire us all to continue stepping up for our communities,’ Dr Angley said.
‘On behalf of PSA, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our award recipients. Their passion and commitment reflect the very best of our profession, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.’
[post_title] => SA/NT top pharmacists recognised at PSA awards
[post_excerpt] => The PSA SA/NT2025 Pharmacist Awards over the weekend highlighted the outstanding achievements of pharmacists across a range of categories.
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[post_content] => Following the success of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, Queensland Minister for Health Tim Nicholls MP announced last week that pharmacist-prescribing for a range of acute conditions will become a permanent feature of Queensland’s health system.
It’s only a matter of time before this takes place in other jurisdictions across Australia.
To prepare pharmacists to step into this exciting new role, AP talks to PSA’s prescribing guru Jacob Warner about how to get there.
Pharmacists have always prescribed, but they have the potential to prescribe much more
Pharmacists have long been prescribing vaccines and over-the-counter medicines to patients.
While prescribing authority has traditionally been reserved for medical practitioners, nurses, and dentists, there’s a growing trend toward expanding prescribing rights to pharmacists. This shift aims to alleviate pressures on healthcare systems and enhance patient access to necessary medical treatment, reflecting a broader, multidisciplinary approach to patient care and medication management.
‘There is a clear desire from various state health departments for pharmacists to upskill in prescribing treatment for acute ailments and chronic disease management of certain conditions,’ Mr Warner said.
What does it mean to become a pharmacist prescriber?
Prescribing is an iterative process that includes collecting information, making clinical judgments, communicating effectively, and evaluating outcomes, ultimately leading to the initiation, continuation, or discontinuation of medication.
The Health Practitioner Prescribing Pathway (HPPP) outlined three principal prescribing models to ensure safe and effective prescribing by health professionals, such as pharmacists, who are not medical doctors:
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[post_content] => The 2025 federal election is fast approaching, with the process due to occur within less than 2 months.
Both the Albanese government and the Coalition have made numerous pharmacist-focused election promises, putting the profession in a strong position for positive outcomes.
Today, PSA launched its 2025 federal election platform, asking political parties and independents to back changes that allow and support pharmacists to play a bigger role in healthcare and help Aussies stay healthier.
‘Australia’s healthcare system is facing growing pressure, with an ageing population and increasingly complex health needs. Pharmacists are a critical, yet underutilised, part of the solution,’ said PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim.
‘This election campaign is an opportunity for commitments to be made to break down those barriers, expand pharmacists’ scope of practice, and ensure pharmacists are supported to deliver for Australians.’
Australian Pharmacist has rounded up the key election asks, and what impact they will have on pharmacists, patients and the healthcare system.
Implement all recommendations of the Scope of Practice Review
To address Australia’s healthcare challenges, the Scope of Practice Review’s final report Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce outlined 18 recommendations.
There are two key priority actions that can be rapidly implemented that would lead to significant change.
Upskilling pharmacist workforce to practise at full scope
Over recent years, pharmacists have been integrating into broader primary care environments, such as general practice and Aboriginal Health Services. Community pharmacy pilot programs across various Australian jurisdictions have allowed
pharmacists to extend their responsibilities, responding directly to local health care gaps and community needs.
However, pharmacists often face significant barriers to expanding their clinical roles, with comprehensive training programs necessary for these new responsibilities requiring investment of both time and money.
To address these hurdles, PSA recommends funding for 8,000 pharmacist training positions over 5 years to facilitate complete scope training, encompassing:
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[post_content] => Pregabalin is being used far beyond its approved indications. With rising concerns over safety, the focus is shifting to careful, individualised deprescribing strategies.
Gabapentinoids, such as pregabalin and gabapentin, were registered by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) in the early 2000s for epileptic seizures and neuropathic pain.
But it was when pregabalin (Lyrica) was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in 2013 for refractory neuropathic pain unable to be controlled by other drugs, that prescribing of the drug really took off.
By the 2018–19 financial year, pregabalin became the sixth most prescribed subsidised drug in Australia, with over 3.5 million PBS subsidised prescriptions issued.
The highest rate of prescribing of pregabalin is for women over 80 years of age, with one in 10 taking the medicine. Yet this cohort of patients is also at high risk due to their susceptibility to adverse effects.
Originally developed as anti-epileptic drugs, it was discovered that gabapentinoids work for some types of neuropathic pain by dampening down nerve transmission, said credentialed pharmacist and pain educator Dr Peter Tenni MPS.
[caption id="attachment_29018" align="alignright" width="335"] Dr Peter Tenni[/caption]
‘But over the years, they have been used for all sorts of nerve-related pain, some of which is not neuropathic,’ he said.
Because gabapentinoids are broad-acting drugs, they have other effects – such as reducing anxiety, leading to approval for use in the United Kingdom for this indication.
‘If you have a drug that reduces anxiety, you will feel better – so a lot of people have a subjective improvement,’ Dr Tenni said. ‘But when you ask them about their pain, it’s no better.’
The topic of reduction or cessation frequently elicits a strong reaction from patients.
‘Patients will say, “Oh no, don’t touch the Lyrica. It's working so well for me” – even when they haven’t seen an improvement in their pain,’ he said. ‘The big issue in the last 5–10 years has been dependence on these drugs.’
What nerve pain conditions does pregabalin actually help?
Only two types of neuropathic pain: diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia have strong evidence for effectiveness, said Dr Tenni.
‘There's also some evidence for fibromyalgia, which is not truly a neuropathic pain,’ he added.
The use of pregabalin for other indications such as non-specific back pain, sciatica or even back pain with neurological features is not evidence based.
‘There's no evidence that pregabalin is any better than placebo for these indications,’ Dr Tenni said.
In fact, around two out of every three prescriptions of pregabalin are for non-valid indications, most commonly for back pain and nerve sensitisation due to chronic pain, Dr Tenni said.
‘Although people feel better, and therefore may be able to tolerate their pain better, it's not actually treating the underlying problems.’
Gabapentinoids also come with a host of unpleasant adverse effects, including:
How should we deprescribe gabapentinoids, according to the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines[/caption]
‘So it’s more difficult in terms of withdrawal symptoms to drop from 25 mg to 0 mg than it is to drop from 600 mg to 300 mg.’
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[post_content] => The PSA hosted the General Practice Pharmacists Symposium in Melbourne on Friday 28 March, bringing leading voices and over 100 delegates together to explore the evolving role of pharmacists in general practice.
It is the first General Practice Pharmacists Symposium hosted by PSA, following 2 years delivered by the WentWest PHN in New South Wales.
As part of the symposium, PSA hosted a panel discussion featuring leaders from key pharmacy and medical groups including PSA’s Consultant Pharmacist Advisor Debbie Rigby FPS and representatives from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and Australian Medical Association (AMA) – facilitating constructive dialogue about the evolving role of pharmacists in general practice and the benefits of collaborative multidisciplinary models of care.
[gallery type="flexslider" size="full" ids="29011,29003,29002,29006,29012,29008,29007,29009,29005"]
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS reiterated PSA’s commitment to medicine safety and workforce support.
‘We know that each year 250,000 Australians are admitted to hospitals due to medication-related problems, which is only set to rise with the growing prevalence of chronic health conditions,’ she said.
‘We must support our health care system to meet this demand by investing in multidisciplinary care now, supporting general practitioners to grow their teams and foster greater pharmacist-GP collaboration to achieve true patient-centred care.
Pharmacists can make irreplaceable invaluable contribution in and within the general practice team.
‘Investing in isolated funding for QUM and medicine safety will directly benefit our health system and most importantly improve patient care,’ A/Prof Sim said.
‘The work that we’re doing today is building on more than 13 years of PSA advocacy for general practice pharmacists, from establishing pilot projects with primary health networks to embed pharmacists in general practices around the country to developing best practice frameworks to support the work pharmacists do as part of multidisciplinary teams.’
A/Prof Sim also pointed to PSA’s election platform advocacy, which calls for the doubling of the Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) to properly fund general practice pharmacists into the future.
‘This election, PSA is fighting for long-term, sustainable funding to encourage general practices to embed pharmacists into their teams, properly funding pharmacist roles through the Workforce Incentive Program,’ she said.
‘I once again wish to thank WentWest PHN for their leadership in establishing the Pharmacist in General Practice National Symposium in 2022, a legacy which PSA is proud to carry on.’
[post_title] => What transpired at the inaugural GP-Pharmacists Symposium?
[post_excerpt] => PSA's inaugural GP Pharmacists Symposium underscored the expanding scope of the profession – and the policy gaps that still need closing.
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[post_content] => The PSA South Australia and Northern Territory branch presented its 2025 Pharmacist Awards over the weekend, highlighting the outstanding achievements of pharmacists across a range of categories.
Presenting the awards in Adelaide, PSA SA/NT President Dr Manya Angley FPS said tonight’s recipients exemplify the dedication, innovation, and leadership that drive pharmacy forward.
‘PSA awards recognise outstanding pharmacists who go above and beyond to support their patients, their communities, and the profession,’ she said. ‘Their contributions make a real difference in the lives of their patients and strengthen the role pharmacists play in delivering quality healthcare.’
SA/NT Pharmacist of the Year Jaimee Anderson MPS
Providing diabetes education to clients attending her local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service, as well as a General Practice in the remote hometown of Katherine, Ms Anderson is also a pharmacist vaccination trainer. She now specialises in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients with youth onset and pregnancy-related type 2 diabetes as well as gestational diabetes.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Simone Rossi MPS
Few pharmacists in Australia have had the widespread impact of Ms Rossi in providing evidence-based medicines information. She was the primary architect of the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) – the shared point of care resource for clinicians, as its editorial consultant, leading its production for over 30 years. From the template on how things were presented in the resource, to the use of the active rather than passive voice, to mentoring the editorial teams in the science of evidence-based information gathering, the AMH is truly a life's work and passion. She has also contributed to the DVA’s Veterans’ MATES and National Prescribing Service (NPS) MedicineWise programs, including NPS News and NPS Radar and the Central Australian Rural Practitioners Association treatment manuals. Over this time, Simone has also been a clinical lecturer at the University of South Australia.
SA/NT Early Career Pharmacist of the Year Maria Cooper MPS
Researcher, part-time community pharmacist and tutor in pharmacy practice, dosage form design and pharmacotherapeutics at the University of South Australia, Ms Cooper has published articles on workplace stress during the pandemic – which led to the development of the world’s first ECP-dedicated peer support program. A speaker at PSA24, she earned the Outstanding Oral Presentation award.
SA/NT Intern Pharmacist of the Year Jessie Wattie MPS
Passionate about patient care, Ms Wattie has contributed to medication reviews and deprescribing at three aged care facilities with on-site pharmacists, and participated in multidisciplinary programs including the Country Health Connect Cardio Rehabilitation program and the Pain Collective. She upskilled in vaccination and mental health training and created a streamlined system to assist her pharmacist colleagues with documenting the distribution of nicotine vaping products with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
All-star student
University of South Australia student Imogen Bates was also awarded PSA’s most prestigious student award, the Gold Medal, awarded periodically after completing the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree with the highest grade point average above 6.25. The award, which began in 1896, was given to Ms Bates who, as well as excelling academically, travelled to the Philippines as part of the New Colombo Plan.
‘Each of our award recipients demonstrates excellence in their area of practice and their achievements inspire us all to continue stepping up for our communities,’ Dr Angley said.
‘On behalf of PSA, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our award recipients. Their passion and commitment reflect the very best of our profession, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.’
[post_title] => SA/NT top pharmacists recognised at PSA awards
[post_excerpt] => The PSA SA/NT2025 Pharmacist Awards over the weekend highlighted the outstanding achievements of pharmacists across a range of categories.
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[post_content] => Following the success of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, Queensland Minister for Health Tim Nicholls MP announced last week that pharmacist-prescribing for a range of acute conditions will become a permanent feature of Queensland’s health system.
It’s only a matter of time before this takes place in other jurisdictions across Australia.
To prepare pharmacists to step into this exciting new role, AP talks to PSA’s prescribing guru Jacob Warner about how to get there.
Pharmacists have always prescribed, but they have the potential to prescribe much more
Pharmacists have long been prescribing vaccines and over-the-counter medicines to patients.
While prescribing authority has traditionally been reserved for medical practitioners, nurses, and dentists, there’s a growing trend toward expanding prescribing rights to pharmacists. This shift aims to alleviate pressures on healthcare systems and enhance patient access to necessary medical treatment, reflecting a broader, multidisciplinary approach to patient care and medication management.
‘There is a clear desire from various state health departments for pharmacists to upskill in prescribing treatment for acute ailments and chronic disease management of certain conditions,’ Mr Warner said.
What does it mean to become a pharmacist prescriber?
Prescribing is an iterative process that includes collecting information, making clinical judgments, communicating effectively, and evaluating outcomes, ultimately leading to the initiation, continuation, or discontinuation of medication.
The Health Practitioner Prescribing Pathway (HPPP) outlined three principal prescribing models to ensure safe and effective prescribing by health professionals, such as pharmacists, who are not medical doctors:
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[post_content] => The 2025 federal election is fast approaching, with the process due to occur within less than 2 months.
Both the Albanese government and the Coalition have made numerous pharmacist-focused election promises, putting the profession in a strong position for positive outcomes.
Today, PSA launched its 2025 federal election platform, asking political parties and independents to back changes that allow and support pharmacists to play a bigger role in healthcare and help Aussies stay healthier.
‘Australia’s healthcare system is facing growing pressure, with an ageing population and increasingly complex health needs. Pharmacists are a critical, yet underutilised, part of the solution,’ said PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim.
‘This election campaign is an opportunity for commitments to be made to break down those barriers, expand pharmacists’ scope of practice, and ensure pharmacists are supported to deliver for Australians.’
Australian Pharmacist has rounded up the key election asks, and what impact they will have on pharmacists, patients and the healthcare system.
Implement all recommendations of the Scope of Practice Review
To address Australia’s healthcare challenges, the Scope of Practice Review’s final report Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce outlined 18 recommendations.
There are two key priority actions that can be rapidly implemented that would lead to significant change.
Upskilling pharmacist workforce to practise at full scope
Over recent years, pharmacists have been integrating into broader primary care environments, such as general practice and Aboriginal Health Services. Community pharmacy pilot programs across various Australian jurisdictions have allowed
pharmacists to extend their responsibilities, responding directly to local health care gaps and community needs.
However, pharmacists often face significant barriers to expanding their clinical roles, with comprehensive training programs necessary for these new responsibilities requiring investment of both time and money.
To address these hurdles, PSA recommends funding for 8,000 pharmacist training positions over 5 years to facilitate complete scope training, encompassing:
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[post_content] => Pregabalin is being used far beyond its approved indications. With rising concerns over safety, the focus is shifting to careful, individualised deprescribing strategies.
Gabapentinoids, such as pregabalin and gabapentin, were registered by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) in the early 2000s for epileptic seizures and neuropathic pain.
But it was when pregabalin (Lyrica) was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in 2013 for refractory neuropathic pain unable to be controlled by other drugs, that prescribing of the drug really took off.
By the 2018–19 financial year, pregabalin became the sixth most prescribed subsidised drug in Australia, with over 3.5 million PBS subsidised prescriptions issued.
The highest rate of prescribing of pregabalin is for women over 80 years of age, with one in 10 taking the medicine. Yet this cohort of patients is also at high risk due to their susceptibility to adverse effects.
Originally developed as anti-epileptic drugs, it was discovered that gabapentinoids work for some types of neuropathic pain by dampening down nerve transmission, said credentialed pharmacist and pain educator Dr Peter Tenni MPS.
[caption id="attachment_29018" align="alignright" width="335"] Dr Peter Tenni[/caption]
‘But over the years, they have been used for all sorts of nerve-related pain, some of which is not neuropathic,’ he said.
Because gabapentinoids are broad-acting drugs, they have other effects – such as reducing anxiety, leading to approval for use in the United Kingdom for this indication.
‘If you have a drug that reduces anxiety, you will feel better – so a lot of people have a subjective improvement,’ Dr Tenni said. ‘But when you ask them about their pain, it’s no better.’
The topic of reduction or cessation frequently elicits a strong reaction from patients.
‘Patients will say, “Oh no, don’t touch the Lyrica. It's working so well for me” – even when they haven’t seen an improvement in their pain,’ he said. ‘The big issue in the last 5–10 years has been dependence on these drugs.’
What nerve pain conditions does pregabalin actually help?
Only two types of neuropathic pain: diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia have strong evidence for effectiveness, said Dr Tenni.
‘There's also some evidence for fibromyalgia, which is not truly a neuropathic pain,’ he added.
The use of pregabalin for other indications such as non-specific back pain, sciatica or even back pain with neurological features is not evidence based.
‘There's no evidence that pregabalin is any better than placebo for these indications,’ Dr Tenni said.
In fact, around two out of every three prescriptions of pregabalin are for non-valid indications, most commonly for back pain and nerve sensitisation due to chronic pain, Dr Tenni said.
‘Although people feel better, and therefore may be able to tolerate their pain better, it's not actually treating the underlying problems.’
Gabapentinoids also come with a host of unpleasant adverse effects, including:
How should we deprescribe gabapentinoids, according to the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines[/caption]
‘So it’s more difficult in terms of withdrawal symptoms to drop from 25 mg to 0 mg than it is to drop from 600 mg to 300 mg.’
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[post_content] => The PSA hosted the General Practice Pharmacists Symposium in Melbourne on Friday 28 March, bringing leading voices and over 100 delegates together to explore the evolving role of pharmacists in general practice.
It is the first General Practice Pharmacists Symposium hosted by PSA, following 2 years delivered by the WentWest PHN in New South Wales.
As part of the symposium, PSA hosted a panel discussion featuring leaders from key pharmacy and medical groups including PSA’s Consultant Pharmacist Advisor Debbie Rigby FPS and representatives from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and Australian Medical Association (AMA) – facilitating constructive dialogue about the evolving role of pharmacists in general practice and the benefits of collaborative multidisciplinary models of care.
[gallery type="flexslider" size="full" ids="29011,29003,29002,29006,29012,29008,29007,29009,29005"]
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS reiterated PSA’s commitment to medicine safety and workforce support.
‘We know that each year 250,000 Australians are admitted to hospitals due to medication-related problems, which is only set to rise with the growing prevalence of chronic health conditions,’ she said.
‘We must support our health care system to meet this demand by investing in multidisciplinary care now, supporting general practitioners to grow their teams and foster greater pharmacist-GP collaboration to achieve true patient-centred care.
Pharmacists can make irreplaceable invaluable contribution in and within the general practice team.
‘Investing in isolated funding for QUM and medicine safety will directly benefit our health system and most importantly improve patient care,’ A/Prof Sim said.
‘The work that we’re doing today is building on more than 13 years of PSA advocacy for general practice pharmacists, from establishing pilot projects with primary health networks to embed pharmacists in general practices around the country to developing best practice frameworks to support the work pharmacists do as part of multidisciplinary teams.’
A/Prof Sim also pointed to PSA’s election platform advocacy, which calls for the doubling of the Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) to properly fund general practice pharmacists into the future.
‘This election, PSA is fighting for long-term, sustainable funding to encourage general practices to embed pharmacists into their teams, properly funding pharmacist roles through the Workforce Incentive Program,’ she said.
‘I once again wish to thank WentWest PHN for their leadership in establishing the Pharmacist in General Practice National Symposium in 2022, a legacy which PSA is proud to carry on.’
[post_title] => What transpired at the inaugural GP-Pharmacists Symposium?
[post_excerpt] => PSA's inaugural GP Pharmacists Symposium underscored the expanding scope of the profession – and the policy gaps that still need closing.
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[post_content] => The PSA South Australia and Northern Territory branch presented its 2025 Pharmacist Awards over the weekend, highlighting the outstanding achievements of pharmacists across a range of categories.
Presenting the awards in Adelaide, PSA SA/NT President Dr Manya Angley FPS said tonight’s recipients exemplify the dedication, innovation, and leadership that drive pharmacy forward.
‘PSA awards recognise outstanding pharmacists who go above and beyond to support their patients, their communities, and the profession,’ she said. ‘Their contributions make a real difference in the lives of their patients and strengthen the role pharmacists play in delivering quality healthcare.’
SA/NT Pharmacist of the Year Jaimee Anderson MPS
Providing diabetes education to clients attending her local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service, as well as a General Practice in the remote hometown of Katherine, Ms Anderson is also a pharmacist vaccination trainer. She now specialises in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients with youth onset and pregnancy-related type 2 diabetes as well as gestational diabetes.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Simone Rossi MPS
Few pharmacists in Australia have had the widespread impact of Ms Rossi in providing evidence-based medicines information. She was the primary architect of the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) – the shared point of care resource for clinicians, as its editorial consultant, leading its production for over 30 years. From the template on how things were presented in the resource, to the use of the active rather than passive voice, to mentoring the editorial teams in the science of evidence-based information gathering, the AMH is truly a life's work and passion. She has also contributed to the DVA’s Veterans’ MATES and National Prescribing Service (NPS) MedicineWise programs, including NPS News and NPS Radar and the Central Australian Rural Practitioners Association treatment manuals. Over this time, Simone has also been a clinical lecturer at the University of South Australia.
SA/NT Early Career Pharmacist of the Year Maria Cooper MPS
Researcher, part-time community pharmacist and tutor in pharmacy practice, dosage form design and pharmacotherapeutics at the University of South Australia, Ms Cooper has published articles on workplace stress during the pandemic – which led to the development of the world’s first ECP-dedicated peer support program. A speaker at PSA24, she earned the Outstanding Oral Presentation award.
SA/NT Intern Pharmacist of the Year Jessie Wattie MPS
Passionate about patient care, Ms Wattie has contributed to medication reviews and deprescribing at three aged care facilities with on-site pharmacists, and participated in multidisciplinary programs including the Country Health Connect Cardio Rehabilitation program and the Pain Collective. She upskilled in vaccination and mental health training and created a streamlined system to assist her pharmacist colleagues with documenting the distribution of nicotine vaping products with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
All-star student
University of South Australia student Imogen Bates was also awarded PSA’s most prestigious student award, the Gold Medal, awarded periodically after completing the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree with the highest grade point average above 6.25. The award, which began in 1896, was given to Ms Bates who, as well as excelling academically, travelled to the Philippines as part of the New Colombo Plan.
‘Each of our award recipients demonstrates excellence in their area of practice and their achievements inspire us all to continue stepping up for our communities,’ Dr Angley said.
‘On behalf of PSA, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our award recipients. Their passion and commitment reflect the very best of our profession, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.’
[post_title] => SA/NT top pharmacists recognised at PSA awards
[post_excerpt] => The PSA SA/NT2025 Pharmacist Awards over the weekend highlighted the outstanding achievements of pharmacists across a range of categories.
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[post_content] => Following the success of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, Queensland Minister for Health Tim Nicholls MP announced last week that pharmacist-prescribing for a range of acute conditions will become a permanent feature of Queensland’s health system.
It’s only a matter of time before this takes place in other jurisdictions across Australia.
To prepare pharmacists to step into this exciting new role, AP talks to PSA’s prescribing guru Jacob Warner about how to get there.
Pharmacists have always prescribed, but they have the potential to prescribe much more
Pharmacists have long been prescribing vaccines and over-the-counter medicines to patients.
While prescribing authority has traditionally been reserved for medical practitioners, nurses, and dentists, there’s a growing trend toward expanding prescribing rights to pharmacists. This shift aims to alleviate pressures on healthcare systems and enhance patient access to necessary medical treatment, reflecting a broader, multidisciplinary approach to patient care and medication management.
‘There is a clear desire from various state health departments for pharmacists to upskill in prescribing treatment for acute ailments and chronic disease management of certain conditions,’ Mr Warner said.
What does it mean to become a pharmacist prescriber?
Prescribing is an iterative process that includes collecting information, making clinical judgments, communicating effectively, and evaluating outcomes, ultimately leading to the initiation, continuation, or discontinuation of medication.
The Health Practitioner Prescribing Pathway (HPPP) outlined three principal prescribing models to ensure safe and effective prescribing by health professionals, such as pharmacists, who are not medical doctors:
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[post_content] => The 2025 federal election is fast approaching, with the process due to occur within less than 2 months.
Both the Albanese government and the Coalition have made numerous pharmacist-focused election promises, putting the profession in a strong position for positive outcomes.
Today, PSA launched its 2025 federal election platform, asking political parties and independents to back changes that allow and support pharmacists to play a bigger role in healthcare and help Aussies stay healthier.
‘Australia’s healthcare system is facing growing pressure, with an ageing population and increasingly complex health needs. Pharmacists are a critical, yet underutilised, part of the solution,’ said PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim.
‘This election campaign is an opportunity for commitments to be made to break down those barriers, expand pharmacists’ scope of practice, and ensure pharmacists are supported to deliver for Australians.’
Australian Pharmacist has rounded up the key election asks, and what impact they will have on pharmacists, patients and the healthcare system.
Implement all recommendations of the Scope of Practice Review
To address Australia’s healthcare challenges, the Scope of Practice Review’s final report Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce outlined 18 recommendations.
There are two key priority actions that can be rapidly implemented that would lead to significant change.
Upskilling pharmacist workforce to practise at full scope
Over recent years, pharmacists have been integrating into broader primary care environments, such as general practice and Aboriginal Health Services. Community pharmacy pilot programs across various Australian jurisdictions have allowed
pharmacists to extend their responsibilities, responding directly to local health care gaps and community needs.
However, pharmacists often face significant barriers to expanding their clinical roles, with comprehensive training programs necessary for these new responsibilities requiring investment of both time and money.
To address these hurdles, PSA recommends funding for 8,000 pharmacist training positions over 5 years to facilitate complete scope training, encompassing:
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Australian Pharmacist is the official journal for Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
