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[post_content] => The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued an alert over the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics commonly used to treat infections such as urinary tract, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
What class of antibiotics prompted the alert?
Antimicrobials from the broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and moxifloxacin. This includes all oral and injectable forms of fluoroquinolones.
What are the documented adverse effects?
Central nervous system (CNS) and psychiatric events. Although rare, the complications are serious – and are potentially disabling and irreversible.
Adverse events include:
For example, the boxed warning for ciprofloxacin will now state:
Serious disabling and potentially irreversible adverse reactions
Fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin, have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions involving different body systems that have occurred together in the same patient. Patients of any age or without pre-existing risk factors have experienced these adverse reactions. These include but are not limited to serious adverse reactions involving the nervous system (see section 4.4 Effects on the CNS), musculoskeletal system (see section 4.4 Tendonitis and tendon rupture) and psychiatric effects (see section 4.4 Psychiatric reactions).
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[post_content] => The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued a caution over the use of sodium valproate in men who are planning a family.
Up to 1 in 10 babies (10%) exposed to sodium valproate during pregnancy may be born with birth defects.
One mother in the United Kingdom had two children born with fetal valproate spectrum disorder (FVSD) after using sodium valproate since the age of 16 following an epilepsy diagnosis.
Now, the anticonvulsant—used to manage seizures, mood disorders in bipolar patients, and as migraine prophylaxis—has been linked to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children whose fathers used the medicine three months before conception.
These findings are based on a retrospective European observational study comparing the effects of the use of sodium valproate with those of lamotrigine or levetiracetam.
The neurodevelopmental disorders identified include autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, communication disorders and ADHD and movement disorders.
However, as of yet there have been no adverse events in relation to paternal exposure reported to the TGA.
What’s changing?
Women are already advised against using sodium valproate in pregnancy, which can cause FVSD. Now men are urged to consider alternative treatment options if planning to father a child or before discontinuing contraception.
New boxed warnings will also be introduced for Epilim. The Product Information (PI) and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) will feature added warnings about paternal exposure.
Sponsors of generic sodium valproate products must update their safety information to match that of Epilim.
What should pharmacists do?
When dispensing sodium valproate to men, pharmacists should inform them about the risks of using this medicine if planning a family. The use of contraception should be encouraged in both the male patient and their female partner.
Pharmacists should also advise men to contact their GP if their partner is pregnant and they have taken sodium valproate within the 3 months before conception.
Male patients who are taking sodium valproate should not donate sperm for more than 3 months after ceasing treatment.
Pharmacists should recommend that men who have been taking sodium valproate long term have an annual review with the specialist to assess whether it remains the most appropriate treatment – particularly if they are planning on parenthood.
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[post_content] => The theme for 2025 Thank Your Pharmacist Day is ‘Pharmacists stepping up’, acknowledging the increasing role of pharmacists in supporting patient care and strengthening Australia’s healthcare system.
Thank Your Pharmacist Day will take place tomorrow (13 March 2025), with PSA calling on Australians to show their appreciation for pharmacists and the care they provide.
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the theme reflects the dedication of pharmacists as they take on expanded roles and responsibilities in response to community needs.
‘Every day, pharmacists across Australia are stepping up to meet growing healthcare demands across a diverse range of practice areas. Thank Your Pharmacist Day is an opportunity to recognise their contributions and the vital role they play in ensuring the health and wellbeing of Australians,’ A/Prof Sim said.
‘As the peak body representing all pharmacists across all areas of practice, PSA is committed to supporting pharmacists as they take on new opportunities through education, training, and advocacy. As our profession continues to evolve, pharmacists remain at the forefront of accessible healthcare.’
PSA is also inviting elected officials around the country to connect with local pharmacists in the lead-up to Thank Your Pharmacist Day, to witness first-hand how pharmacists are stepping up to meet patient needs in their communities.
‘With the federal election approaching, this is an important moment for decision-makers to see the critical role pharmacists play and to understand how supporting pharmacists means better healthcare access and medicine safety for all Australians,’ A/Prof Sim said.
Pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and the public are encouraged to take part by sharing their stories and messages of thanks using #ThankYourPharmacist.
To find out more about Thank your Pharmacist Day, including media and advocacy kits, visit psa.org.au/thankyourpharmacist/
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[post_content] => From guiding older patients on National Immunisation Program (NIP) stock to clarifying second-dose rules, here’s what pharmacists need to know about the 2025 influenza season.
1. Patients aged 65 years and older should wait for NIP stock to arrive
By this time of the year, most pharmacies will have ordered and received private stock of influenza vaccines. But for the 2025 season, deliveries of NIP are expected to commence around late March, following the confirmation of pre-allocated orders by pharmacies.
Older patients who present to the pharmacy requesting an influenza vaccine should be advised to wait until NIP stock arrives for optimum protection.
Patients who are 65 years and over should receive the NIP-funded Fluad Quad
0.50 mL vaccine or Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, adjuvanted quadrivalent vaccines designed to boost the immune system's response to the vaccine.
These vaccines help to generate a stronger and more sustained antibody response, providing better protection against influenza and its complications in this vulnerable age cohort – reducing hospitalisations and severe outcomes from influenza.
2. Patients (mostly) only need one dose of an influenza vaccine
If a patient received an influenza vaccine earlier on in the season and is concerned about waning immunity – one vaccine is still enough. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to justify routinely administering a second influenza vaccine dose within the same season.
Optimal protection from the influenza vaccine persists for around 3–4 months after vaccination. While the vaccine’s effectiveness begins to wane after this point, most patients should be sufficiently protected throughout the season.
However, there are some exceptions. Patients eligible for a second dose include:
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[post_content] => Family and friend carers are essential members of the care team who often provide invaluable medication management support to the people they care for.
[caption id="attachment_28875" align="alignright" width="300"]
This article was sponsored and developed in collaboration with PSA and Carers NSW[/caption]
However, pharmacists may perceive medication errors or non-adherence as a carer’s inability to fulfil this role,1 instead of an opportunity for improving education and support. Ensuring that carers are identified by pharmacists as members of the patient’s care team, included in discussions about the patient’s care and supported to fulfil their role is key to ensuring quality use of medicines and optimal outcomes for patients and carers.
Across Australia, there are approximately 3 million carers who provide unpaid care or support to a family member or friend living with disability, mental illness, chronic or life-limiting illness, drug or alcohol dependency or who is ageing or frail.2 This includes at least 391,300 children and young people under 25 years of age.2 A carer may be a parent, partner, sibling, relative, child, friend or neighbour of the person requiring care. Carers come from all walks of life, and anyone can become a carer at any time.
Carers are diverse and each caring experience is different. Carers provide a wide range of supports to help the person they care for to remain living at home and in the community. They may also provide ongoing support for someone living temporarily or permanently in residential care. This support can include personal care, domestic assistance, support with navigating and coordinating health and disability services, emotional and social support, as well as assistance with communication, decision making and advocacy.3
Pharmacies are a common setting that carers visit with, or on behalf of, the person they care for. Carers may support with:
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[post_content] => The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued an alert over the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics commonly used to treat infections such as urinary tract, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
What class of antibiotics prompted the alert?
Antimicrobials from the broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and moxifloxacin. This includes all oral and injectable forms of fluoroquinolones.
What are the documented adverse effects?
Central nervous system (CNS) and psychiatric events. Although rare, the complications are serious – and are potentially disabling and irreversible.
Adverse events include:
For example, the boxed warning for ciprofloxacin will now state:
Serious disabling and potentially irreversible adverse reactions
Fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin, have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions involving different body systems that have occurred together in the same patient. Patients of any age or without pre-existing risk factors have experienced these adverse reactions. These include but are not limited to serious adverse reactions involving the nervous system (see section 4.4 Effects on the CNS), musculoskeletal system (see section 4.4 Tendonitis and tendon rupture) and psychiatric effects (see section 4.4 Psychiatric reactions).
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[post_content] => The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued a caution over the use of sodium valproate in men who are planning a family.
Up to 1 in 10 babies (10%) exposed to sodium valproate during pregnancy may be born with birth defects.
One mother in the United Kingdom had two children born with fetal valproate spectrum disorder (FVSD) after using sodium valproate since the age of 16 following an epilepsy diagnosis.
Now, the anticonvulsant—used to manage seizures, mood disorders in bipolar patients, and as migraine prophylaxis—has been linked to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children whose fathers used the medicine three months before conception.
These findings are based on a retrospective European observational study comparing the effects of the use of sodium valproate with those of lamotrigine or levetiracetam.
The neurodevelopmental disorders identified include autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, communication disorders and ADHD and movement disorders.
However, as of yet there have been no adverse events in relation to paternal exposure reported to the TGA.
What’s changing?
Women are already advised against using sodium valproate in pregnancy, which can cause FVSD. Now men are urged to consider alternative treatment options if planning to father a child or before discontinuing contraception.
New boxed warnings will also be introduced for Epilim. The Product Information (PI) and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) will feature added warnings about paternal exposure.
Sponsors of generic sodium valproate products must update their safety information to match that of Epilim.
What should pharmacists do?
When dispensing sodium valproate to men, pharmacists should inform them about the risks of using this medicine if planning a family. The use of contraception should be encouraged in both the male patient and their female partner.
Pharmacists should also advise men to contact their GP if their partner is pregnant and they have taken sodium valproate within the 3 months before conception.
Male patients who are taking sodium valproate should not donate sperm for more than 3 months after ceasing treatment.
Pharmacists should recommend that men who have been taking sodium valproate long term have an annual review with the specialist to assess whether it remains the most appropriate treatment – particularly if they are planning on parenthood.
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[post_content] => The theme for 2025 Thank Your Pharmacist Day is ‘Pharmacists stepping up’, acknowledging the increasing role of pharmacists in supporting patient care and strengthening Australia’s healthcare system.
Thank Your Pharmacist Day will take place tomorrow (13 March 2025), with PSA calling on Australians to show their appreciation for pharmacists and the care they provide.
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the theme reflects the dedication of pharmacists as they take on expanded roles and responsibilities in response to community needs.
‘Every day, pharmacists across Australia are stepping up to meet growing healthcare demands across a diverse range of practice areas. Thank Your Pharmacist Day is an opportunity to recognise their contributions and the vital role they play in ensuring the health and wellbeing of Australians,’ A/Prof Sim said.
‘As the peak body representing all pharmacists across all areas of practice, PSA is committed to supporting pharmacists as they take on new opportunities through education, training, and advocacy. As our profession continues to evolve, pharmacists remain at the forefront of accessible healthcare.’
PSA is also inviting elected officials around the country to connect with local pharmacists in the lead-up to Thank Your Pharmacist Day, to witness first-hand how pharmacists are stepping up to meet patient needs in their communities.
‘With the federal election approaching, this is an important moment for decision-makers to see the critical role pharmacists play and to understand how supporting pharmacists means better healthcare access and medicine safety for all Australians,’ A/Prof Sim said.
Pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and the public are encouraged to take part by sharing their stories and messages of thanks using #ThankYourPharmacist.
To find out more about Thank your Pharmacist Day, including media and advocacy kits, visit psa.org.au/thankyourpharmacist/
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[post_content] => From guiding older patients on National Immunisation Program (NIP) stock to clarifying second-dose rules, here’s what pharmacists need to know about the 2025 influenza season.
1. Patients aged 65 years and older should wait for NIP stock to arrive
By this time of the year, most pharmacies will have ordered and received private stock of influenza vaccines. But for the 2025 season, deliveries of NIP are expected to commence around late March, following the confirmation of pre-allocated orders by pharmacies.
Older patients who present to the pharmacy requesting an influenza vaccine should be advised to wait until NIP stock arrives for optimum protection.
Patients who are 65 years and over should receive the NIP-funded Fluad Quad
0.50 mL vaccine or Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, adjuvanted quadrivalent vaccines designed to boost the immune system's response to the vaccine.
These vaccines help to generate a stronger and more sustained antibody response, providing better protection against influenza and its complications in this vulnerable age cohort – reducing hospitalisations and severe outcomes from influenza.
2. Patients (mostly) only need one dose of an influenza vaccine
If a patient received an influenza vaccine earlier on in the season and is concerned about waning immunity – one vaccine is still enough. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to justify routinely administering a second influenza vaccine dose within the same season.
Optimal protection from the influenza vaccine persists for around 3–4 months after vaccination. While the vaccine’s effectiveness begins to wane after this point, most patients should be sufficiently protected throughout the season.
However, there are some exceptions. Patients eligible for a second dose include:
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[post_content] => Family and friend carers are essential members of the care team who often provide invaluable medication management support to the people they care for.
[caption id="attachment_28875" align="alignright" width="300"] This article was sponsored and developed in collaboration with PSA and Carers NSW[/caption]
However, pharmacists may perceive medication errors or non-adherence as a carer’s inability to fulfil this role,1 instead of an opportunity for improving education and support. Ensuring that carers are identified by pharmacists as members of the patient’s care team, included in discussions about the patient’s care and supported to fulfil their role is key to ensuring quality use of medicines and optimal outcomes for patients and carers.
Across Australia, there are approximately 3 million carers who provide unpaid care or support to a family member or friend living with disability, mental illness, chronic or life-limiting illness, drug or alcohol dependency or who is ageing or frail.2 This includes at least 391,300 children and young people under 25 years of age.2 A carer may be a parent, partner, sibling, relative, child, friend or neighbour of the person requiring care. Carers come from all walks of life, and anyone can become a carer at any time.
Carers are diverse and each caring experience is different. Carers provide a wide range of supports to help the person they care for to remain living at home and in the community. They may also provide ongoing support for someone living temporarily or permanently in residential care. This support can include personal care, domestic assistance, support with navigating and coordinating health and disability services, emotional and social support, as well as assistance with communication, decision making and advocacy.3
Pharmacies are a common setting that carers visit with, or on behalf of, the person they care for. Carers may support with:
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[post_content] => The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued an alert over the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics commonly used to treat infections such as urinary tract, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
What class of antibiotics prompted the alert?
Antimicrobials from the broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and moxifloxacin. This includes all oral and injectable forms of fluoroquinolones.
What are the documented adverse effects?
Central nervous system (CNS) and psychiatric events. Although rare, the complications are serious – and are potentially disabling and irreversible.
Adverse events include:
For example, the boxed warning for ciprofloxacin will now state:
Serious disabling and potentially irreversible adverse reactions
Fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin, have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions involving different body systems that have occurred together in the same patient. Patients of any age or without pre-existing risk factors have experienced these adverse reactions. These include but are not limited to serious adverse reactions involving the nervous system (see section 4.4 Effects on the CNS), musculoskeletal system (see section 4.4 Tendonitis and tendon rupture) and psychiatric effects (see section 4.4 Psychiatric reactions).
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[post_content] => The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued a caution over the use of sodium valproate in men who are planning a family.
Up to 1 in 10 babies (10%) exposed to sodium valproate during pregnancy may be born with birth defects.
One mother in the United Kingdom had two children born with fetal valproate spectrum disorder (FVSD) after using sodium valproate since the age of 16 following an epilepsy diagnosis.
Now, the anticonvulsant—used to manage seizures, mood disorders in bipolar patients, and as migraine prophylaxis—has been linked to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children whose fathers used the medicine three months before conception.
These findings are based on a retrospective European observational study comparing the effects of the use of sodium valproate with those of lamotrigine or levetiracetam.
The neurodevelopmental disorders identified include autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, communication disorders and ADHD and movement disorders.
However, as of yet there have been no adverse events in relation to paternal exposure reported to the TGA.
What’s changing?
Women are already advised against using sodium valproate in pregnancy, which can cause FVSD. Now men are urged to consider alternative treatment options if planning to father a child or before discontinuing contraception.
New boxed warnings will also be introduced for Epilim. The Product Information (PI) and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) will feature added warnings about paternal exposure.
Sponsors of generic sodium valproate products must update their safety information to match that of Epilim.
What should pharmacists do?
When dispensing sodium valproate to men, pharmacists should inform them about the risks of using this medicine if planning a family. The use of contraception should be encouraged in both the male patient and their female partner.
Pharmacists should also advise men to contact their GP if their partner is pregnant and they have taken sodium valproate within the 3 months before conception.
Male patients who are taking sodium valproate should not donate sperm for more than 3 months after ceasing treatment.
Pharmacists should recommend that men who have been taking sodium valproate long term have an annual review with the specialist to assess whether it remains the most appropriate treatment – particularly if they are planning on parenthood.
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[post_content] => The theme for 2025 Thank Your Pharmacist Day is ‘Pharmacists stepping up’, acknowledging the increasing role of pharmacists in supporting patient care and strengthening Australia’s healthcare system.
Thank Your Pharmacist Day will take place tomorrow (13 March 2025), with PSA calling on Australians to show their appreciation for pharmacists and the care they provide.
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the theme reflects the dedication of pharmacists as they take on expanded roles and responsibilities in response to community needs.
‘Every day, pharmacists across Australia are stepping up to meet growing healthcare demands across a diverse range of practice areas. Thank Your Pharmacist Day is an opportunity to recognise their contributions and the vital role they play in ensuring the health and wellbeing of Australians,’ A/Prof Sim said.
‘As the peak body representing all pharmacists across all areas of practice, PSA is committed to supporting pharmacists as they take on new opportunities through education, training, and advocacy. As our profession continues to evolve, pharmacists remain at the forefront of accessible healthcare.’
PSA is also inviting elected officials around the country to connect with local pharmacists in the lead-up to Thank Your Pharmacist Day, to witness first-hand how pharmacists are stepping up to meet patient needs in their communities.
‘With the federal election approaching, this is an important moment for decision-makers to see the critical role pharmacists play and to understand how supporting pharmacists means better healthcare access and medicine safety for all Australians,’ A/Prof Sim said.
Pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and the public are encouraged to take part by sharing their stories and messages of thanks using #ThankYourPharmacist.
To find out more about Thank your Pharmacist Day, including media and advocacy kits, visit psa.org.au/thankyourpharmacist/
[post_title] => Stepping up to Thank your Pharmacist
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[post_content] => From guiding older patients on National Immunisation Program (NIP) stock to clarifying second-dose rules, here’s what pharmacists need to know about the 2025 influenza season.
1. Patients aged 65 years and older should wait for NIP stock to arrive
By this time of the year, most pharmacies will have ordered and received private stock of influenza vaccines. But for the 2025 season, deliveries of NIP are expected to commence around late March, following the confirmation of pre-allocated orders by pharmacies.
Older patients who present to the pharmacy requesting an influenza vaccine should be advised to wait until NIP stock arrives for optimum protection.
Patients who are 65 years and over should receive the NIP-funded Fluad Quad
0.50 mL vaccine or Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, adjuvanted quadrivalent vaccines designed to boost the immune system's response to the vaccine.
These vaccines help to generate a stronger and more sustained antibody response, providing better protection against influenza and its complications in this vulnerable age cohort – reducing hospitalisations and severe outcomes from influenza.
2. Patients (mostly) only need one dose of an influenza vaccine
If a patient received an influenza vaccine earlier on in the season and is concerned about waning immunity – one vaccine is still enough. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to justify routinely administering a second influenza vaccine dose within the same season.
Optimal protection from the influenza vaccine persists for around 3–4 months after vaccination. While the vaccine’s effectiveness begins to wane after this point, most patients should be sufficiently protected throughout the season.
However, there are some exceptions. Patients eligible for a second dose include:
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[post_content] => Family and friend carers are essential members of the care team who often provide invaluable medication management support to the people they care for.
[caption id="attachment_28875" align="alignright" width="300"] This article was sponsored and developed in collaboration with PSA and Carers NSW[/caption]
However, pharmacists may perceive medication errors or non-adherence as a carer’s inability to fulfil this role,1 instead of an opportunity for improving education and support. Ensuring that carers are identified by pharmacists as members of the patient’s care team, included in discussions about the patient’s care and supported to fulfil their role is key to ensuring quality use of medicines and optimal outcomes for patients and carers.
Across Australia, there are approximately 3 million carers who provide unpaid care or support to a family member or friend living with disability, mental illness, chronic or life-limiting illness, drug or alcohol dependency or who is ageing or frail.2 This includes at least 391,300 children and young people under 25 years of age.2 A carer may be a parent, partner, sibling, relative, child, friend or neighbour of the person requiring care. Carers come from all walks of life, and anyone can become a carer at any time.
Carers are diverse and each caring experience is different. Carers provide a wide range of supports to help the person they care for to remain living at home and in the community. They may also provide ongoing support for someone living temporarily or permanently in residential care. This support can include personal care, domestic assistance, support with navigating and coordinating health and disability services, emotional and social support, as well as assistance with communication, decision making and advocacy.3
Pharmacies are a common setting that carers visit with, or on behalf of, the person they care for. Carers may support with:
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[post_content] => The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued an alert over the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics commonly used to treat infections such as urinary tract, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
What class of antibiotics prompted the alert?
Antimicrobials from the broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and moxifloxacin. This includes all oral and injectable forms of fluoroquinolones.
What are the documented adverse effects?
Central nervous system (CNS) and psychiatric events. Although rare, the complications are serious – and are potentially disabling and irreversible.
Adverse events include:
For example, the boxed warning for ciprofloxacin will now state:
Serious disabling and potentially irreversible adverse reactions
Fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin, have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions involving different body systems that have occurred together in the same patient. Patients of any age or without pre-existing risk factors have experienced these adverse reactions. These include but are not limited to serious adverse reactions involving the nervous system (see section 4.4 Effects on the CNS), musculoskeletal system (see section 4.4 Tendonitis and tendon rupture) and psychiatric effects (see section 4.4 Psychiatric reactions).
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[post_content] => The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued a caution over the use of sodium valproate in men who are planning a family.
Up to 1 in 10 babies (10%) exposed to sodium valproate during pregnancy may be born with birth defects.
One mother in the United Kingdom had two children born with fetal valproate spectrum disorder (FVSD) after using sodium valproate since the age of 16 following an epilepsy diagnosis.
Now, the anticonvulsant—used to manage seizures, mood disorders in bipolar patients, and as migraine prophylaxis—has been linked to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children whose fathers used the medicine three months before conception.
These findings are based on a retrospective European observational study comparing the effects of the use of sodium valproate with those of lamotrigine or levetiracetam.
The neurodevelopmental disorders identified include autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, communication disorders and ADHD and movement disorders.
However, as of yet there have been no adverse events in relation to paternal exposure reported to the TGA.
What’s changing?
Women are already advised against using sodium valproate in pregnancy, which can cause FVSD. Now men are urged to consider alternative treatment options if planning to father a child or before discontinuing contraception.
New boxed warnings will also be introduced for Epilim. The Product Information (PI) and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) will feature added warnings about paternal exposure.
Sponsors of generic sodium valproate products must update their safety information to match that of Epilim.
What should pharmacists do?
When dispensing sodium valproate to men, pharmacists should inform them about the risks of using this medicine if planning a family. The use of contraception should be encouraged in both the male patient and their female partner.
Pharmacists should also advise men to contact their GP if their partner is pregnant and they have taken sodium valproate within the 3 months before conception.
Male patients who are taking sodium valproate should not donate sperm for more than 3 months after ceasing treatment.
Pharmacists should recommend that men who have been taking sodium valproate long term have an annual review with the specialist to assess whether it remains the most appropriate treatment – particularly if they are planning on parenthood.
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[post_content] => The theme for 2025 Thank Your Pharmacist Day is ‘Pharmacists stepping up’, acknowledging the increasing role of pharmacists in supporting patient care and strengthening Australia’s healthcare system.
Thank Your Pharmacist Day will take place tomorrow (13 March 2025), with PSA calling on Australians to show their appreciation for pharmacists and the care they provide.
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the theme reflects the dedication of pharmacists as they take on expanded roles and responsibilities in response to community needs.
‘Every day, pharmacists across Australia are stepping up to meet growing healthcare demands across a diverse range of practice areas. Thank Your Pharmacist Day is an opportunity to recognise their contributions and the vital role they play in ensuring the health and wellbeing of Australians,’ A/Prof Sim said.
‘As the peak body representing all pharmacists across all areas of practice, PSA is committed to supporting pharmacists as they take on new opportunities through education, training, and advocacy. As our profession continues to evolve, pharmacists remain at the forefront of accessible healthcare.’
PSA is also inviting elected officials around the country to connect with local pharmacists in the lead-up to Thank Your Pharmacist Day, to witness first-hand how pharmacists are stepping up to meet patient needs in their communities.
‘With the federal election approaching, this is an important moment for decision-makers to see the critical role pharmacists play and to understand how supporting pharmacists means better healthcare access and medicine safety for all Australians,’ A/Prof Sim said.
Pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and the public are encouraged to take part by sharing their stories and messages of thanks using #ThankYourPharmacist.
To find out more about Thank your Pharmacist Day, including media and advocacy kits, visit psa.org.au/thankyourpharmacist/
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[post_content] => From guiding older patients on National Immunisation Program (NIP) stock to clarifying second-dose rules, here’s what pharmacists need to know about the 2025 influenza season.
1. Patients aged 65 years and older should wait for NIP stock to arrive
By this time of the year, most pharmacies will have ordered and received private stock of influenza vaccines. But for the 2025 season, deliveries of NIP are expected to commence around late March, following the confirmation of pre-allocated orders by pharmacies.
Older patients who present to the pharmacy requesting an influenza vaccine should be advised to wait until NIP stock arrives for optimum protection.
Patients who are 65 years and over should receive the NIP-funded Fluad Quad
0.50 mL vaccine or Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, adjuvanted quadrivalent vaccines designed to boost the immune system's response to the vaccine.
These vaccines help to generate a stronger and more sustained antibody response, providing better protection against influenza and its complications in this vulnerable age cohort – reducing hospitalisations and severe outcomes from influenza.
2. Patients (mostly) only need one dose of an influenza vaccine
If a patient received an influenza vaccine earlier on in the season and is concerned about waning immunity – one vaccine is still enough. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to justify routinely administering a second influenza vaccine dose within the same season.
Optimal protection from the influenza vaccine persists for around 3–4 months after vaccination. While the vaccine’s effectiveness begins to wane after this point, most patients should be sufficiently protected throughout the season.
However, there are some exceptions. Patients eligible for a second dose include:
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[post_content] => Family and friend carers are essential members of the care team who often provide invaluable medication management support to the people they care for.
[caption id="attachment_28875" align="alignright" width="300"] This article was sponsored and developed in collaboration with PSA and Carers NSW[/caption]
However, pharmacists may perceive medication errors or non-adherence as a carer’s inability to fulfil this role,1 instead of an opportunity for improving education and support. Ensuring that carers are identified by pharmacists as members of the patient’s care team, included in discussions about the patient’s care and supported to fulfil their role is key to ensuring quality use of medicines and optimal outcomes for patients and carers.
Across Australia, there are approximately 3 million carers who provide unpaid care or support to a family member or friend living with disability, mental illness, chronic or life-limiting illness, drug or alcohol dependency or who is ageing or frail.2 This includes at least 391,300 children and young people under 25 years of age.2 A carer may be a parent, partner, sibling, relative, child, friend or neighbour of the person requiring care. Carers come from all walks of life, and anyone can become a carer at any time.
Carers are diverse and each caring experience is different. Carers provide a wide range of supports to help the person they care for to remain living at home and in the community. They may also provide ongoing support for someone living temporarily or permanently in residential care. This support can include personal care, domestic assistance, support with navigating and coordinating health and disability services, emotional and social support, as well as assistance with communication, decision making and advocacy.3
Pharmacies are a common setting that carers visit with, or on behalf of, the person they care for. Carers may support with:
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Australian Pharmacist is the official journal for Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Ltd.
