Australian Pharmacist

Emergency supply of medicines allows a pharmacist, in an emergency without a prescription, to initiate a small quantity supply (usually 3 days’ worth) of a Prescription OnlyMedicine (S4) for a patient when it’s not possible to contact the prescriber.

Pharmacy changes will take place mid-winter, with a range of practice, fee and career pathway updates kicking off on 1 July 2024.

Pentobarbital has a bad reputation. Better known by its famous brand name, Nembutal, the barbiturate was linked to the death of film star Marilyn Monroe.

Combined with glycerine, sugar and methylparaben, the result was a product designed to induce vomiting after exposure to poisons: syrup of ipecac (SOI).

The long-awaited Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement was signed last Thursday, providing Australians with better access to pharmacists and supporting the safe and quality use of medicines.

From its 18th century origins to modern uses, Friar's Balsam has continued to be a multi-purpose medicine.