Health Industry News
TGA recommendation to reschedule codeine analgesics to S4 in June 2016
The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) Advisory Committee on Medicines Scheduling has made an interim recommendation to reschedule codeine-containing products from S3 (Pharmacist Only Medicine) to S4 (Prescription Only Medicine) from June 2016. The decision is predicated on risk dependence and the adverse effects of codeine-based products compared to newly released forms of ibuprofen and paracetamol…
Read MoreProactive patient reminder potential key to improving pneumococcal vaccination rates among older Australians – October 1, 2015
Implementing an efficient reminder system to prompt Australians aged 65 and above to receive their free pneumococcal vaccination may be pivotal to improving the low 54 per cent vaccination rates among this at-risk population.1 Findings from the Pneumococcal Pneumonia Vaccination General Practice Nurse survey reveal while many general practice nurses acknowledge having some sort of…
Read MoreA coordinated approach key to improving prescription medication misuse & deaths from overdose – September 29, 2015
Written by Kim Ledger and ScriptWise There are multiple drivers behind the escalating problem of prescription medication misuse and overdose deaths in Australia. The lack of consumer awareness and health information technology are overarching reasons for why prescription medication overdose deaths have outnumbered road fatalities. ScriptWise is a not for profit (NFP) organisation raising awareness of…
Read MoreGP consultation encouraged in prescribing opioids for crash victims
New findings released reveal opioid use has tripled from 11 percent pre-injury to 33 per cent during the 18 months post-injury, according to a study that examined PBS medication use by 700 people injured on Victorian roads between 2010 and 2012. The Monash University Injury Research Institute of Melbourne study showed Oxycodone was the most…
Read MorePlanning to travel? Know your rabies risk, this World Rabies Day – September 28, 2015
Across the world, September 28 marks World Rabies Day – a global initiative that aims to raise awareness of the fatal impact of the viral disease and the importance of prevention through immunisation. According to Rabies Alliance rabies is responsible for an estimated 59,000 deaths a year world-wide. Rabies is endemic throughout South East Asia,…
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