TGA tightens Ozempic advice (again) as global shortage bites
The TGA is once again urging doctors against initiating patients on semaglutide, less than three months after relaxing its prescribing advice, as limited supply struggles…
Tag: Medicines management
GPs try new patient rules to cope with crippling demand
Two GP practices are trialling measures to free up appointments including dedicating a doctor to repeat scripts and asking patients to restrict requests for results…
Watch for arrhythmia risk with common SSRIs: study
Over-65s prescribed escitalopram or citalopram are at increased risk of arrhythmia, while patients with known QT prolongation should avoid the SSRIs altogether, Norwegian researchers report.…
Let all GPs prescribe hep B antivirals without extra training: RACGP
Mandatory training requirements for GPs who prescribe hepatitis B antivirals are unnecessary and a barrier to treatment, says the RACGP. GPs cannot initiate hepatitis B…
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…
Call to switch anti-epileptic tablet to powder amid global recall
The TGA has urged doctors prescribing the anti-epileptic vigabatrin to switch patients to oral powder sachets when issuing new scripts amid a national shortage of…
Calls to ration emergency diabetes drug amid supply crisis
GPs are being advised to ration emergency glucagon kits and identify patients with type 1 diabetes with existing prescriptions in the wake of a critical…
Telehealth corporate’s semaglutide emails in TGA sights
The TGA is “making inquiries” after GP telehealth corporate Eucalyptus Health emailed patients to say its doctors could now prescribe Ozempic (semaglutide) for weight loss.…
TGA approves insulin pen swap amid global shortage
The TGA will allow pharmacists to swap out certain pre-filled insulin products in response to a global shortage predicted to last until June 2024. Ryzodeg…
Patients are being paid to start hep C treatment — is it ethical?
Since direct-acting antivirals were listed on the PBS seven years ago, more than 100,000 Australians have been cured of hepatitis C infection. Yet this figure…
