The recently released government inquiry into sleep health identified the extent of the nation's sleep deficit and its impact on health, risk of accidents and productivity in the workplace. The inquiry, which drew from public hearings with healthcare professionals...

The effectiveness of systemic corticosteroids for the management of dyspnoea in adults with advanced cancer. Dyspnoea affects almost 70% of advanced cancer patients at the end of life.1 It is often associated with fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression and reduced quality...

Concerns over the overuse of antipsychotics in Residential Aged Care Facilities have reached a high tide – but so have efforts to address the issue by giving pharmacists a larger role to play. 'The hallmark of a civilised society is...

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...