Research from Curtin University published in 2017 found that pharmacists providing advice to lactating mothers who are seeking complementary medicines are finding the lack of safety data on the products a barrier to effective patient care. Interviews were conducted...

From wonder drug to scourge. The synthesis of amphetamine has had a profound effect on society as well as attitudes towards drugs. From its use treating asthma and nasal congestion, to being prescribed for depression, epilepsy, drug and alcohol addiction...

The introduction of direct-acting antivirals therapies for hepatitis C in 2016 has contributed to a 20% decline in deaths attributed to the disease, but a drop in the number of people accessing the cure has public health authorities worried. This...

Pharmacists play a signi­ficant role in the optimisation of medicine use across healthcare settings, and should be considered integral participants in multidisciplinary collaboration Learning objectives   After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to: Describe the benefits of including a...

The health benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and baby are significant, which is why breast milk is considered the best form of nutrition for babies. Learning objectives   After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to: Describe...

There is strong evidence that hospital patients benefit from pharmacists being involved in post-discharge care. But pharmacists face multiple barriers when it comes to conducting post-discharge medication reviews. If you’ve ever run or watched a relay race you’ll know...

A comparison of medicines information contained in GP referral letters with that elicited from Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) has found discrepancies for 90% of patients, some posing serious risks. In a small study led by Sue Carson MPS and published...

New guidelines on heart failure and atrial fibrillation have been released, including new pharmacological recommendations. Released by the National Heart Foundation of Australia (NHF) in collaboration with the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ), the guidelines were written...

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterised by repetitive, partial (hypopnoea) or complete (apnoea) occlusions of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in frequent arousals and sleep fragmentation. Learning objectives  After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to: Describe...

Pharmacists may recall news headlines earlier this year about people experiencing significant sunburn despite application of high sun protection factor sunscreens. Reports were accompanied by distressing images, including of children, with swollen faces, blisters and red raw skin. Some...