Rub shoulders with Kerri Barwick MPS (centre) and other members of team PSA at CPC24[/caption]
The use of insulin, considered a high-risk medication with APINCHs classification,5 Ms Barwick notes, provides justification for a Home Medicines Review (HMR). ‘There’s an advantage to going into the home to observe the patient’s diet, consider potential interactions, and educate patients on the best effects and outcomes,’ she says.
Advice around cleaning blood glucose level (BGL) monitors to ensure accuracy can also be provided. ‘Pharmacists can explain how to put test drops through and clean blood spills on the monitor, common in pregnancy due to higher blood volume,’ says Ms Barwick.
With only 50% of women diagnosed with GDM receiving tests for heart disease and type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy,6 HMRs can be beneficial at this stage of the journey, too.
‘Along with conversations around diet choices, exercise regimes and sleep, I also explain how often testing is required over the next 5–10 years, and how to monitor for signs of the development of diabetes,’ Ms Barwick advises.
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
The presence of iron in pregnancy multivitamins may exacerbate symptoms of nausea and vomiting in some pregnancies, according to Ms Barwick.
‘Pharmacists can recommend a trial cessation of the iron component of pregnancy vitamins, often unnecessary in pregnancy,’ she says.
In 2020, photographer Bobbi Lockyer created a Birthing on Country project to highlight and create awareness around birthing issues and outcomes in Aboriginal women. For more, see 
Suzanne Nielsen MPS[/caption]
Case scenario
Chau, a 23-year-old female, requests ‘something strong for migraine’. She tells you she is developing a headache, has sensitivity to light and awful nausea. Chau has been experiencing migraines twice a month since they were originally diagnosed by her doctor 6 months ago. Despite trying paracetamol, ibuprofen and paracetamol/metoclopramide on different occasions, she hasn’t found something that effectively resolves her symptoms. Chau confirms she has no other medical conditions, takes no regular medicines and is not pregnant or breastfeeding.
Learning objectivesAfter reading this article, pharmacists should be able to:
Competency (2016) standards addressed: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 3.2, 3.5 Accreditation expiry: 31/01/2027 Accreditation number: CAP2402OTCJJ |
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