Clampdown on GP-administered buprenorphine delayed for seven months
The ban on GPs privately prescribing and administering long-acting buprenorphine onsite has been delayed until 30 June 2024. Opioid dependence treatments were added to the…
Tag: Drug and alcohol / Addictions
RACGP launches $1350 program to formally recognise GPs with special interests
GPs with special interests can pay $1350 to have their skills formally recognised by the RACGP. The college’s “extended skills certificate” will initially cover five…
Doctor appeals damning inquest findings over prison death of Veronica Nelson
A doctor is appealing findings against him over the death of an Aboriginal woman in custody, saying the coroner ignored key evidence and unfairly sullied…
More than 30 doctors reported to AHPRA for not checking SafeScript software
Victoria’s Department of Health is referring dozens of doctors to AHPRA each year for failing to check the SafeScript real-time prescription monitoring software, officials have…
Review identifies 10 predictors of opioid overdose
A large Canadian review has identified 10 predictors of opioid overdose including prescription of a higher dose, three or more prescribers, and any mental health…
TGA issues baclofen warning to doctors in response to overdose deaths
The TGA is urging caution with off-label baclofen prescribing for alcohol use disorder in the wake of coronial inquiries into two deaths. While elevated suicide…
Surgeon’s emergency suspension lifted after ‘inexplicable’ medical council blunder
The Medical Council of NSW has been criticised by a judge after it suspended an ENT surgeon without acknowledging his expert defence report questioning the…
‘Young people with what looks like advanced dementia’: The pointy end of nitrous oxide abuse
Nangs, whippets, NOS, whatever patients call cannisters of nitrous oxide — doctors have implicated them in neurological damage in young patients. Available for less than…
Gastric bypass tied to substance use disorder
Gastric bypass surgery is associated with an increased risk for non-alcohol substance use disorder, according to a study in Obesity. Dr Per-Arne Svensson (PhD), from…
Opioid initiation leads to sustained use in only 3% of patients: Aussie study
Most patients started on opioids use them short term, with minimal evidence of prolonged use over five years, according to an Australian-first study. The analysis…
