Pharmacists advised to 'choose wisely' when it comes to CAM

The leading pharmacists' body has warned pharmacists not to recommend non-evidence-based complementary medicines or dispense repeat scripts for antibiotics and benzodiazepines in new Choosing Wisely Australia guidance.

The advice, released on Thursday, is the first time the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has authored a set of recommendations.

It also advises to avoiding the ‘prescribing cascade’ and warns against initiating medications for patients already on five or more drugs without first reviewing all existing medications