Medication Management

The Iran war may disrupt access to medicines

While PBS stock‑holding rules provide a buffer against short disruptions, experts warn that prolonged conflict in the Middle East could…

New tools target medication harm in aged care

Researchers have released new microlearning videos and a national high‑risk medication tool to reduce preventable medication-related harm in residential aged…

Pharmacists urge Labor to invest in medicine safety

Australia’s peak pharmaceutical body has urged the Albanese government to boost investment and modernise pharmacy programs, amid fears Australians vulnerable…

With extra study, nurses will be able to prescribe medications

Endorsed RNs are now able to prescribe medications in partnership with a doctor or nurse practitioner – a change that…

Lecanemab approved by TGA

A new treatment for early to mild Alzheimer’s disease has been registered with Australia’s pharmaceutical regulator in a major development…

Antipsychotic use twice as high in residents with dementia

Researchers from Macquarie University have revealed that psychotropic medications are prescribed to aged care residents with dementia at twice the…

More older people dying from drug overdoses

Since 2001, unintentional overdose deaths have declined by about one-third among people under 30. But deaths in those aged 50–59…

Labor pledges to protect PBS from cuts

Last week, President Donald Trump wrote to 17 major pharmaceutical companies in the US demanding they lower their prices for…

Medication laws tightened for Vic aged care

In an Australian first, the Victorian government has introduced legislation to ensure only authorised health professionals can administer certain medications…

Do pharmaceutical tariffs threaten the PBS?

There are fears that, if implemented, the tariffs could cost the Australian economy up to $2.8 bn. That’s both in…

Why doesn’t Australia make more medicines? Wouldn’t that fix drug shortages?

About 400 medicines are in short supply in Australia. Of these, about 30 are categorised as critical. These are ones…

AI project to address over-prescribing in aged care

A Sydney researcher has received a $4.4 million grant for the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) medication management platform…

“Inappropriate use” of psychotropic drugs linked to fall risk: study

A team of Australian researchers are calling for a review into the use of psychotropic medications in aged care, revealing…