Second Australian hydromorphone trial announced The new opiate treatment is meeting people ‘where they are at’ and could save those for whom methadone has not worked.
What are nitazenes? The synthetically produced opioids are more potent than fentanyl and have recently been detected in Australia.
Study shines light on oxycodone prescribing habits Regional patients are most likely to be first-time users, with a study warning GPs to use ‘careful assessment’ when prescribing.
Opioid prescriptions are down – but is dependence? While PBS listing revisions have potentially reduced opioid prescriptions, experts say more active treatment is required to reduce harm.
Opioid use in pregnancy linked to childhood illness According to new research, women who used opioids during pregnancy are more likely to have children with infections, eczema and asthma later in life.
Private opioid dependence scripts extended The Government will allow GPs to continue issuing private prescriptions until June next year, but the RACGP is calling for a permanent solution.
In Practice: Last chance for RACGP Awards Nominations for the rural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health categories remain open until 30 July.
What GPs need to know about opioid dependency changes The new scheme will benefit tens of thousands, but the small implementation window could be tricky to navigate, writes Dr Hester Wilson.
Opioids ineffective for acute low back or neck pain: Study The commonly prescribed medication may even result in worse pain, researchers from the University of Sydney have found.
Predicted fentanyl influx prompts call for drug-testing services The ‘common-sense’ measure has the support of the RACGP, with a spokesperson saying urgent action is needed to save lives.