GPs blindsided by major changes to opioid pack sizes Angst and confusion have marred the introduction of welcome changes to opioid prescribing, GPs say.
Opioid pack sizes halved, new annual checks for patients Doctors will have more oversight over potent but addictive opioid-based medications.
Take-home naloxone ‘saves lives’ Currently in a pilot phase across three states, naloxone would be more effective if further patient education was provided, one expert says.
Listen, assess, encourage, support: Requests for drugs of dependence The RACGP has released a new guide designed to help GPs identify and respond to requests that might be inappropriate.
How I reduced my opioid prescribing rate Dr Edwin Kruys decided to scale back prescriptions of opioids two years ago. Here’s how he did it.
New patient guide aims to reduce opioid harms A lack of information regarding opioid use after hospital discharge can be dangerous for some patients, but a new guide aims to close that gap.
Heroin deaths spike, pharmaceutical opioid deaths creep downwards The 438 deaths caused by heroin in 2018 represent Australia’s highest number in almost 20 years, a new report has found.
Advocates hail ‘game changing’ PBS listing of buprenorphine Harm-reduction advocates have long called for an end to the surprisingly high cost of opioid substitution therapy.
Opioid pack changes ‘long overdue’, but more reform needed From 2020, opioid packages will be smaller and feature improved labels with clearer warnings and consumer information.
Opioid marketing scrutinised by TGA, questioned by RACGP The Therapeutic Goods Administration has confirmed it is examining opioid marketing material aimed at GPs.