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]
Victorian pharmacists get broader scope for vaccinations
The combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine will soon be available from community pharmacies across Victoria, under a new State Government initiative.
In last week’s announcement, Victorian...
Report highlights need for improved medicine management
A new report investigating polypharmacy among older Australians emphasises the need for greater pharmacist involvement in medicine management.
The report, led by the University of Western...
Don’t discount ketoacidosis in euglycaemia
Adapted by Ann Winkle MPS.
Regulatory bodies are warning of the potential for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) as a serious complication of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2)...
COVID-19 rollout strategy recalibrated
Pfizer is now the COVID-19 vaccine of choice for some at-risk patients and those under 50 years of age in priority groups.
From the President: Accredited pharmacists will always have a home at...
The PSA has committed to offering all pharmacists accreditation opportunities through its new Accreditation Credentialling Program, along with career-long support for pharmacists, from pharmacists.
Choosing wisely: an insight into polypharmacy
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...
