Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by joint inflammation. The immune system attacks the tissue lining the joints (synovial membrane), causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness. It usually occurs in joints on both sides of the...

Recent research has shed light on a potential new avenue to reduce insulin requirements for people with type 1 diabetes. An estimated 1.2 million Australians (6%) live with diabetes, not including gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is one of the...

Evidence supports the effectiveness of meditation in managing various common conditions. These apps can guide practice. If you’re hearing mindfulness and meditation more and more in your patient discussions, you may be curious or have been asked about how...

A 20-year population-based study has found the use of diclofenac for pain relief is linked to an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol and other non-NSAID use.   The research, published...

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the small intestine and colon. There is no underlying structural or biochemical explanation for the symptoms, and the pathophysiology of IBS is not fully understood. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating...

A seven-year international study has found aspirin is not beneficial in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease for those aged over 70. The ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) trial found that daily low-dose aspirin (100mg) did not...

A pharmacist-led intervention targeted towards reducing the prevalence of sedative prescription in aged care has reduced antipsychotic prescribing by 13% and that of benzodiazepines by 21%. The University of Tasmania team led by Prof Greg Peterson and Dr Juanita Westbury...

Endometriosis can result in reduced quality of life and significant burden to the health system. This evidence summary presents the best available evidence regarding the effectiveness of oral contraceptives for the management of pain associated with endometriosis. For the full...

Thalidomide’s period of use may have been short but its ramifications have lasted decades, both for people who suffer deformities from its effects and how we now regulate medicines. Like many ‘wonder drugs’ of the 20th century, thalidomide was first...

Fewer than half of all Australians can correctly identify asthma as a chronic disease that doesn’t go away, according to new Asthma Australia research.¹ In the lead up to Asthma Week (1–7 September), Asthma Australia commissioned a survey of 1,012...