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...

The CEO of Diabetes Australia, Professor Greg Johnson, recently called attention to the high numbers of Australians living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. In a statement, Professor Johnson highlighted the need for greater awareness of the disease, referencing a study...

Most people with clinically severe obesity live and die without the underlying disease having ever been treated, leading global expert in obesity, Professor John Dixon told PSA19 at the weekend. Pharmacists, like other health practitioners, accept that patients with diabetes...

Could selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help reduce the burden of Alzheimer’s disease and prevent decline from mild cognitive impairment? An estimated 10% of people over 65 years of age, and 30% of people over 85 years of age, have...

While most women experience primary dysmenorrheoa (period pain), a recent longitudinal study has revealed the extent of its impact on the academic, social and professional lives of young women.  The Australian retrospective study analysed data on dysmenorrheoa in women with...

Groundbreaking new research has found that current smokers are three times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease (CVD), but these risks greatly decrease among those who quit. Combining fast-acting nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can have a big impact...

A recent study identified that the risk of hip fracture was increased with the use of psychotropic drugs in elderly people. The highest risk was seen when opioids or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants were started. While a...

We don’t see many pharmacists selling magical crystals. For the same reasons, pharmacists should not sell homeopathic products. Homeopathy is a form of complementary medicine that has been in existence for the last 2–3 centuries. It is based on...

As cold and flu season reaches fever pitch, the demand for complementary medicines to help prevent and manage colds and influenza is increasing. A new paper emphasises the risks associated with these medicines, and the role pharmacists have in...

Cost is a major factor associated with non-adherence to asthma treatment in Australia, recent research revealed. Healthcare providers can assist patients with adherence by discussing more cost-effective treatment options. In an online cross-sectional survey conducted between December 2015 and March...