Eczema affects up to 20% of children. Almost half of these patients develop eczema by the age of six months and most of them by the age of five years.1 This evidence summary presents the best available evidence regarding the...

As awareness of transgender people grows, so does the need for healthcare professionals to be educated in the area of transgender health. A recent article in Australian Prescriber draws on ‘decades of experience’ to give practitioners fresh insight into...

In the fight against antibiotic resistance, shorter courses of antibiotics are now recommended for patients with common infections, but how short is long enough? The optimal antimicrobial duration for common bacterial infections is outlined in a review paper recently published...

Two additional targeted biologicals for severe chronic plaque psoriasis are now listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), offering relief for adults with the often underestimated condition. Chronic plaque psoriasis (often referred to as psoriasis) is thought to affect between...

There has been an increase in incidents of community-associated Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (CA-SABs) in Victoria and Western Australia (WA). Pharmacists have a role to play in infection control and prevention. A study, which surveyed 10,320 hospital-reported S. aureus bacteraemia...

A medication that promises to alleviate symptoms of severe asthma is now listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) under Section 100, giving patients access to the potentially life-saving treatment.   There are 2.5 million Australians (10% of the population)...

Dementia Australia recently called for shared responsibility between healthcare professionals and aged care organisations in the care of people living with dementia. But where do pharmacists fit into this equation? Dementia Australia CEO Marie McCabe said that a collaborative approach...

Laudanum’s use, and abuse, has set the tone for the use and abuse of opiates from the 17th century until the present day. From pre-history through Sumerian, Greek and Roman cultures, opium has been used for pain management. But...

Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in ‘magic mushrooms’, is being trialled in the treatment of terminally ill patients to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety at Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital. The treatment has proven to be successful in several international...

Australia is in the midst of a record-breaking heatwave – with Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, the ACT and NSW all reaching maximum temperatures of 8-12°C above average. Parts of South Australia, Victoria and NSW are expected to reach...