Vegan diets are becoming increasingly popular among teenagers and youth, especially females, due to the perceived health benefits of a plant-based diet. Learning objectives After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to: Describe the principles and philosophy of...

Pharmacists when co-locating with GPs play a valuable role in reducing over-prescribing in older patients. Over 12 months, pharmacists in an ACT-based pilot study recommended deprescribing in several cases where older patients were unnecessarily taking medicines for a range of...

A commonly-used treatment for Alzheimer's disease could reduce the risk of stroke among people with dementia. The Australian-Swedish study, co-authored by Monash University researchers, focussed on the effect of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), which are commonly prescribed to relieve symptoms of...

The feet and toenails are prone to a variety of infections, as they are frequently exposed to a moist environment through the regular use of footwear. Learning objectives After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to: Recognise the signs...

Key considerations and a recommended course of action when a pharmacist is asked to supply medication to a third party. Scenario: A 20-year-old man approaches a community pharmacist, requesting the emergency contraceptive pill (EC) for his 18-year-old girlfriend. The man tells the...

Healthcare professionals do not often discuss swallowing difficulties, particularly a patient’s ability to swallow solid oral dosage forms. Learning objectives After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to: identify patients who would benefit from a discussion around altering medicine...

More research has been urged after the creator of a breakthrough test for detecting Alzheimer’s disease said the test could be combined with daily doses of ibuprofen to eliminate the disease. In a recently published Journal of Alzheimer's Disease paper,...

Pharmacists can provide advice to breastfeeding women on using medicines that are compatible with breastfeeding and on how to minimise infant exposure to medicines via breast milk. Learning objectives After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to: Discuss with...

Obesity is a chronic and complex health condition, with obese people being at significantly higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Learning objectives After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to: Describe risks and complications associated with being overweight or...

Pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA) is a common presentation in a community pharmacy, with many patients seeking advice on complementary and alternative medicines that can relieve pain. OA is the most common form of arthritis in Australia, occurring in...