In the second of a six-part series, we expand on the PSA Choosing Wisely recommendations, taking a closer look at polypharmacy. The PSA’s Choosing Wisely recommendations includes a statement about polypharmacy and deprescribing (Box 1).1-8 PSA’s statement recognises that while...

Pharmacists are in the front line of the obesity epidemic. But counselling patients on diet behaviour can have troubling consequences. Is it time for a weight-neutral approach? Can patients be ‘healthy at any size’? Data from around the Western...

One of the first anti-bacterial agents to be used in fields of battle, sulphanilamide was also a factor in the deaths of more than 100 people in peace time when prescribed as an elixir. Sulphanilamide was first synthesised in...

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is an inflammatory skin condition that mostly affects young children. However, a recent report shows it may affect older adults more often than previously thought. The report, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, shows a U-shaped...

Parkinson’s disease is in the limelight this month, with World Parkinson’s Day on 11 April inspiring a series of events around the world to raise awareness and funds for the debilitating disease. With the prevalence amongst Australians set...

Cocaine has a long history of use in the treatment of pain and inflammation – and in recent decades as a recreational drug. Cocaine is an extract of the leaves of the coca plant, which has been grown in...

Since 1 April, medicines crucial to those suffering from cancer, Parkinson’s and motor neurone disease have become available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The listed medicines include brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris), safinamide (Xadago) and riluzole (Teglutik). Brentuximab vedotin Brentuximab vedotin is...

While around 176 million women worldwide suffer from endometriosis, awareness of the condition amongst both the public and healthcare practitioners remains low. Pharmacists can make a valuable impact by raising awareness of the symptoms of endometriosis and providing support...

In the first of a six-part series, we expand on the PSA Choosing Wisely recommendations. This month: beware the prescribing cascade. The decision to initiate a medication is a complex one1 and whilst prescribers strive to act in the best...

A recent survey by NPS MedicineWise has found that more than 7 million Australians take some form of complementary medicines every day. Fifty-nine per cent of these people were also found to be taking prescription medicines. In response, NPS...