The genetic and environmental factors behind schizophrenia are poorly understood, but research is increasingly finding links between maternal vitamin D status and the risk of schizophrenia. An estimated one in 100 Australians live with schizophrenia, which is characterized by distortions...

This week marks the beginning of spring and National Asthma Week, a time when the National Asthma Council (NAC) urges Australians with asthma to prepare for the pollen season.1 In November 2016, Melbourne and Geelong experienced the world’s largest epidemic...

Pharmacists can minimise opioid harm by helping patients step down. While opioids play an important role in the management of acute pain, their widespread use to treat chronic pain and misuse in dependent individuals has resulted in multiple cases of...

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has made a final decision on the rescheduling of modified release (MR) paracetamol due to safety concerns.  The safety of MR paracetamol preparations has been under the spotlight since reports of its potential toxicity emerged....

Symbicort prn is now indicated to treat mild asthma flare-ups after an extended indication was approved by the TGA. Symbicort Turbuhaler and Rapihaler are now listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) as an anti-inflammatory reliever to treat...

As the saying goes, ‘You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, and know when to fold ’em.’ Complementary medicines may also be called ‘traditional’ or ‘alternative’ medicines and include items such as vitamins, minerals, herbal products, aromatherapy and homoeopathic...

With the fast-approaching 30 September marking the end of the current CPD year, pharmacists should take stock of the progress of their CPD plans. Pharmacists should determine the CPD activities needed to complete the plan in order to satisfy...

Methaqualone was one of the most abused prescription drugs worldwide during the 1970s. Thankfully, the world woke up to its destructive capacity. Methaqualone was first synthesised in India in 1951, where it was originally formulated as an anti-malarial drug. As...

This evidence summary presents the best available evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of a combination of antidepressants and benzodiazepines for adults with major depression compared to antidepressants only. For the full review, refer to Antidepressants plus benzodiazepines for...

Pharmacists play a vital role supporting patients with chronic pain. Around 1 in 5 Australians experience chronic pain; this rises to 1 in 3 for people over 65 years of age. The prevalence of self-reported chronic pain peaks at...