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Welcome to the May 2012 homepage edition of i2P-Information to Pharmacists. Rollo Manning has been having some time out having staples removed from the site of his open heart surgery.He is now at home recuperating in Darwin, having arrived home last Friday, beating a cold and hasty retreat from Canberra.We all wish him a speedy recovery and hopefully, he will be fit enough to contribute by next month.
This month, Pharmedia discusses the toll that is taken when someone complains about you to an authority without good cause. Well, the good news is that you can now take action to protect yourself if such a complaint is made, and that may even include action for defamation. Read about a recent case involving two doctors, with Mark Coleman drawing on personal experience to illustrate.

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ASMI Media Releases for June 2010

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	Bob Bowden articles by this author...
Information and news from the Australian Self Medication Industry provided by Bob Bowden, Foresight Communications. Contact him on (02) 9241 2811 or 0412 753 298.

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22 June 2010
ASMI appoints new Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Director

The Executive Director of the Australian Self-Medication Industry (ASMI), Juliet Seifert today announced the appointment of Steven Scarff as the new Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Director of ASMI. 

Steven is a solicitor and a scientist with a long history in regulatory affairs in the pharmaceutical industry. He takes over the role from Dr Deon Schoombie, who will move to the Executive Director’s position in August on the retirement of Ms Seifert.

“We are delighted to have someone of Steven’s experience taking up this critical role,” Ms Seifert said.

“His background in both science and the law, and his first-hand experience working in regulatory affairs in the consumer healthcare sector is a tremendous asset.

“I have the utmost confidence that he will bring a considerable depth of talent to this position, and I would like to welcome him to the ASMI team”.

Steven has over 20 years’ industry experience with more than ten years’ experience in regulatory affairs, working on over-the-counter (OTC) products with major ASMI member companies.

He has also worked as a consultant in regulatory affairs and, as a qualified solicitor, has participated in ASMI meetings to provide guidance in trade practices compliance.

Steven began his working career in the laboratory. He then moved on to regulatory roles of increasing seniority with Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and Johnson & Johnson Pacific before establishing himself as a solicitor and regulatory affairs consultant.

His work as a solicitor has provided a wide range of legal experience across areas including commercial, criminal, civil, and trade practices matters.

10 June 2010
Over-the-counter pain relievers a safe and effective remedy for pain and inflammation

The Australian Self-Medication Industry (ASMI) today reassured patients that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) continue to play an important role in short term pain relief for the majority of consumers. 

The Executive Director of ASMI, Juliet Seifert was responding to media reporting of a Danish study [i] which examined the use of popular pain relievers and the incidence of cardiovascular risk. The study looked at the use of a number of NSAIDs in the Danish population between 1997 and 2005.

It is important to recognise that the pain relievers examined were supplied on a doctor’s prescription and hence often taken in higher doses, which translates to a higher risk. They were also taken for longer periods than recommended for over-the-counter (OTC) use. On average, people in the study took NSAIDs for 14 days.

The observational study was a review of historical medical record data and unable to identify if there was a pre-existing cardiovascular condition or the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. It could also not identify the reason for which the NSAIDs were being prescribed.

Interestingly the study also noted that “Use of low-dose ibuprofen and diclofenac was associated with a decrease in risk of cardiovascular death”.

Ms Seifert said that unlike the pattern of use on which the Danish study was based, in Australia NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, are available without a prescription at low doses for short-term use up to a maximum of three days in self-limiting conditions. They are safe and effective for the temporary relief of pain and inflammation.

All OTC medicines must undergo a rigorous evaluation process before they are made available for use in Australia and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) imposes strict labelling requirements to ensure that consumers are able to use them correctly

“NSAIDs are safe when used as directed, but like any medicine they can cause problems when used incorrectly, or by people with certain conditions or taking specific medicines,” Ms Seifert said.

Labels on over-the-counter NSAIDs provide warning statements, including that they not be taken by patients over the age of 65 or those with stomach, kidney or heart problems, without first talking to a health professional. The labels also advise that people who are taking other medications regularly for other conditions should first obtain the advice of their healthcare professional.

“It is important to read labels carefully, and to strictly follow all the directions and, if the pain or other symptoms persist, to consult a doctor or pharmacist,” Ms Seifert said.

[1] Fosbol, E et al. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. Published online Jun 8, 2010.
 

2 June 2010
Pharmacy blueprint sets a clear vision for the future 

The Australian Self-Medication Industry (ASMI), the industry body representing non-prescription consumer healthcare products today welcomed the blueprint for the future of community pharmacy released by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA).

The document, ‘Roadmap - The Strategic Direction for Community Pharmacy’, sets out a detailed future plan to guide all aspects of the way that community pharmacy will operate and integrate with the broader healthcare sector and the community.

The Executive Director of ASMI, Juliet Seifert said the paper presents a well thought out plan that will benefit the entire healthcare industry.

“Under the Federal Government’s health reforms, community pharmacy must play a pivotal role if we are to get the best from our health resources and health budgets.”

“The Roadmap provides a vision for how pharmacists can manage many minor and chronic ailments that are critical to improved preventative health and wellbeing,” Ms Seifert said. 

The strategic blueprint recognises pharmacy’s role in addressing minor ailments in a way that will be of benefit to the community, and ease the pressure on overstretched GPs.

ASMI congratulates the Guild on the extensive work and the thinking that has helped to produce a clear-sighted vision for the future.

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