Editorial
Welcome to the March edition of i2P – Information to Pharmacists.
You may have noiticed if you receive i2P by email, that we have simplified our mail out presentation.
This was because the code in our earlier version appeared to be too unstable to maintain, hence the simpler presentation.
Columns
Rollo Manning: Pharma-Goss
John Dunlop: Inside NZ
Loretta Marron BSc: Health Watch
Barry Urquhart: Marketing Focus
Harvey Mackay: Strategic Thinking
Mark Neuenschwander: I`ve been thinking about...Recent Comments
Past Editions
Volume 1 Number 1
Volume 1 Number 2
Volume 1 Number 3
Volume 1 Number 4
Volume 1 Number 5
Volume 1 Number 6
Volume 1 Number 7
Volume 2 Number 1
Volume 2 Number 2
Pharma News
Staff Writer: SIGMA Pharmaceuticals suspends share trading before release of revised earnings outlookHospital News
Health Politics
Pat Gallagher: Health Informatics - The State of the Nation
Peter Sayers: The Three-Ring Circus
Dr David More: e-Health IdentifiersEPublications
NPS Media Releases February 2010
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Regular information provided by the National Prescribing Service | |
The National Prescribing Service (NPS) is a valued independent resource for accurate, evidence-based prescribing information and education. Given the marketing pressures applied by global drug companies, NPS plays a vital and unique role across the healthcare sector.
22 February 2010
Women warned aspirin reports may be misleading
Recent research from the US suggests women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer may benefit from taking aspirin but the National Prescribing Service (NPS) warns people to talk to their health professional before self-medicating.
The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, has received significant media attention, with some reports suggesting aspirin could be a miracle treatment.
NPS CEO, Dr Lynn Weekes says such media reports are concerning and people should not underestimate the strength or effectiveness of a medicine just because it can be purchased without a prescription.
“Like all medicines, aspirin has benefits but it also has potential harms. Aspirin is a salicylate drug, commonly used to relieve minor aches and pains, reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory agent,” Dr Weekes said.
“Aspirin also has a blood-thinning effect and can therefore increase the risk of bleeding, which can be dangerous for people already taking anticoagulants. For people with asthma it can trigger attacks if they are sensitive to this type of medicine.”
“If you are taking other medicines, particularly cancer treatments, it’s important to always talk to your doctor before starting a new medicine. This includes medicines that can be bought without a prescription or from an outlet such as a supermarket where you will not receive clinical advice.”
The study was conducted on 4164 female registered nurses in the US with a diagnosis of breast cancer between 1976 and 2002.
Dr Weekes said the results may be not be generalised for all women and recommends people talk to their doctor or pharmacist about whether aspirin is the best medicine for their personal condition.
Consumers with questions about medicines can call the NPS Medicines Line on 1300 888 763 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST) and talk to a pharmacist for the cost of a local call (mobiles may cost more).
16 February 2010
National Census revealing extent of medicines use problems
Preliminary data from the National Census of Medicines Use in Australia shows a significant number of adverse medicines events aren’t being reported to GPs and people are struggling to identify information sources they can easily understand.
The Census, being conducted by the National Prescribing Service (NPS) and University of Melbourne, focuses on how Australians use their medicines, including prescription, non-prescription and complementary medicines.
It is the first national census to survey what combinations of medicines people take, how people find information about medicines and whether they have experienced problems with their choices.
“We’re already seeing a breadth of medicines use issues experienced by Australians. Many of these issues can be solved, and the information collected in this Census will help us determine the best ways to do so,” NPS CEO Dr Lynn Weekes said.
Analysis of data collected so far shows:
* A significant number of participants are reporting it’s difficult to find information about medicines they understand
* More than half the participants have reported the volume of information sources about medicines makes it hard to know what is accurate
* Many participants who used a medicine in the past year reported a side effect, reaction or other problem with their medicines during this time
“Data from this Census will be integral to NPS programs over coming years and will assist other organisations in the health sector when developing new resources and programs for the community.”
“We are grateful to the over 1000 people who have participated in the Census so far and hope others who are invited to participate will realise the value of their contribution,” Dr Weekes said.
This Census began in July 2009 and involves people aged over 50 years. This final phase ends in March and the full results will be published later in the year. A second phase involving people aged 18-49 will begin later in 2010.
Consumers with questions about medicines can call the NPS Medicines Line on 1300 888 763 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm EST) and talk to a pharmacist for the cost of a local call (mobiles may cost more).
People who experience an adverse medicines event can report this to the Adverse Medicines Events line on 1300 134 237, (Mon-Fri 9-5pm EST). Please note this is not an emergency service.
For further information visit www.nps.org.au/research/medicinescensus
15 FEBRUARY 2010
Register now for the National Medicines Symposium
Registrations are now open for the National Medicines Symposium, the prestigious biennial conference dedicated to addressing medicines use issues across the health sector.
Hosted by the National Prescribing Service, the Symposium brings together everyone working in the medicines space from health professionals to academics, consumer groups and policy makers.
“The medicines environment is constantly changing and the National Medicines Symposium presents doctors with a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about the latest developments in clinical practice and interventions,” NPS CEO Dr Lynn Weekes said.
“NMS is the only event which brings together all professions and industry groups involved with medicines. It provides those working at the coalface with an opportunity to share expertise and experience, and contribute and benefit from stimulating discussions.”
“National and international speakers headline an exciting scientific program examining medicine in people’s lives, safe and judicious medicines use, and the changing role of prescribers,” Dr Weekes said.
The international guest speakers are:
Dr Eva Ombaka, recipient of the 2007 Olle Hansson award for her work in rational use of medicines, has been an international advocate for access to medicines and a pharmacist for 34 years.
Professor Munir Pirmohamed, NHS Chair of Pharmacogenetics in the UK, who will look at the role of pharmacogenetics in individualising medication therapy.
Dr Victor Montori, a diabetologist and clinical epidemiologist and Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in the US, will explore the treatment burden in complex chronic illness and the role of decision aids in clinical practice.
Among the many key national industry speakers will be:
· Dr Emil Djakic, Chair, Australian General Practice Network
· Prof Andrew McLachlan, Chair of Australia’s National Medicines Policy Committee
· Prof Peter Brooks, Director of the Australian Health Workforce Institute
Health professionals are invited to submit abstracts for oral presentation or poster display during the Symposium. Topics may cover clinical practice, education, research, complementary medicines, leadership, policy, innovations or future directions for quality use of medicines and must address the theme, Medicine in people’s lives.
Abstracts close 17 February 2010. The Symposium runs from 26-28 May at the Melbourne Conference & Exhibition Centre. For further information visit www.nms2010.org.au.
11 February 2010
NPS offering more and reaching wider audiences: report
Awareness of the National Prescribing Service (NPS) and utilisation of its products and services increased significantly over 2005–09, according to the latest NPS evaluation report.
Released today, the 2008–09 Evaluation Report No. 12 shows NPS continues to positively influence prescribing practice and medicines use through expanding its reach and relevance amongst the Australian population, health professionals and health professional students.
“This 12th evaluation report demonstrates the value of NPS in contributing to better health outcomes for Australians as well as helping to ensure the ongoing viability of the pharmaceutical benefits scheme,” NPS CEO, Dr Lynn Weekes said.
“GP participation remains high with around 60% of the GP workforce participating in at least one NPS activity, while pharmacist participation rates have increased significantly to 21% of registered pharmacists. Also, the number of nurses has nearly doubled to 2504, which is particularly encouraging given the key and growing role of nurses in quality use of medicines.”
“Notably, through our drug utilisation activities NPS has contributed to improved prescribing rates of analgesics and proton pump inhibitors including decreased prescribing of COX-2 selective NSAIDs, tramadol and high dose PPIs, and increased prescribing of low dose PPIs.”
Key achievements highlighted in the 2008–09 report include:
§ Total savings of $45.9 million to the PBS
§ Decrease in prescribing of COX-2 selective NSAIDs by 3.24 scripts per 1000 consultations where NPS had reached approximately 52% of GPs.
§ Decrease in prescribing of tramadol by 7.71 scripts per 1000 consultations where NPS had reached approximately 54% of GPs.
§ Decrease in prescribing of high dose PPIs by 10.36 scripts per 1000 consultations where the NPS interventions had reached approximately 30% of GPs.
§ The number of universities using our National Prescribing Curriculum has nearly doubled to 23 institutions across Australia
§ 27% of all Australians aged 15 years and older, and 32% of Australians aged 50 years and older are aware of NPS.
§ A total of 959 sessions were conducted with a total of 21,468 attendees across Australia through the Seniors Peer Education program.
§ An increase in the number of web page views of Australian Prescriber per month from 151,339 during 2007-08 to 241,834 during 2008-09.
§ 425,299 Medicine List resources were distributed in English and four other languages.
“Over the next 12 months we will continue to build on these achievements with programs focusing on hypnotic use and opioids, and we will expand our work with diverse audiences to ensure that all Australians have access to the same accurate information about medicines,” Dr Weekes said.
To view the full report go to www.nps.org.au/eval_report_12
10 February 2010
Time to think about vaccinations again
Vaccinations are usually associated with young children or travelling overseas, but immunisations given at childhood can wear off and leave adults exposed to debilitating diseases.
In the latest edition of MedicinesTalk, the National Prescribing Service (NPS) urges parents and grandparents to discuss their own vaccination needs with their doctor when taking children to get their shots.
“The need for vaccinations is not confined to children,” NPS CEO Dr Lynn Weekes said.
“People aged over 50 may benefit from being vaccinated against diseases like flu, pneumococcal disease and shingles. They may also benefit from having boosters of vaccinations like hepatitis, whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria, which may have lost their efficacy.”
Vaccinations not only protect us from infectious diseases that can cause illness, disability and death but they also protect the community as a whole by reducing the number of people who contract these diseases and pass them on.
“The most beneficial vaccinations for you will depend on your age, health and lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about what you may need to have and how frequently they should be taken – for some it’s every year, for others it might be every 10 years. Keep a record somewhere and ensure you follow up when it’s time,” Dr Weekes said.
It is particularly important those at higher risk of some illnesses keep their vaccinations up to date. These include:
· People aged over 60
· People who smoke or who are overweight
· People with an existing chronic disease or compromised immune system
· Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
For more information about vaccinations read the latest issue of MedicinesTalk at www.nps.org.au/consumers/publications/medicines_talk.
3 February 2010
New clinical program addresses sleep problems and therapy options
The latest NPS education program ‘Management options to maximise sleep’ encourages prescribers to recommend non-drug therapies as first-line treatment for insomnia and to discuss the importance of good sleep practices and the potential harms of hypnotic medicines with the patient before prescribing hypnotics.
BEACH data from 2006-08 shows medication was prescribed for 95.2 per 100 insomnia problems*, however research from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in the US has shown non-drug therapies have comparable effectiveness to hypnotic medicines.
“Insomnia is often a secondary health issue caused by identifiable stressors, a medical or psychiatric condition, poor sleep practice and medicine or substance use,” NPS senior clinical adviser, Judith Mackson said.
“As well as addressing insomnia, identifying and addressing the cause may eliminate the need for hypnotics. For many people rectifying poor sleep practices will make a huge difference to the quality of their sleep.”
As well as comparable effectiveness, non-drug therapies do not carry the same potential adverse effects or dependency risks as hypnotics.
The ‘Management options to maximise sleep’ program encourages health professionals to:
* Explore patient concerns with sleep difficulties – identify and address causes
* Offer behavioural and cognitive therapies for insomnia
* Discuss and specify the duration of hypnotic medicines use
* Trial discontinuing hypnotic medicines in patients who have been using them for long periods
* Engage patient/carers in managing sleep difficulties
“There is particularly high use of hypnotic medicine in the elderly, yet this group is more at risk of adverse events. For patients who have been taking hypnotics for a prolonged time, prescribers are encouraged to develop plans to decrease their dose and review progress through the GP clinical audit tool provided by NPS as part of this program,” Ms Mackson said.
In cases where drug treatment cannot be avoided, as non-drug therapies alone are not effective, patients should be prescribed the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration and educated on the adverse effects of hypnotic medicines. Initial prescriptions should be limited to less than ten days.
The NPS has developed the following resources and activities about managing insomnia for health professionals:
· NPS News (67): Addressing hypnotic medicines use in primary care
· Prescribing Practice Review (49): Management options for improving slee
* GP and GP Registrar Clinical Audit - Use of benzodiazepines, zolpidem and zopiclone in insomnia
* Case study (62): Maximising sleep and minimising potential harms
· Drug Use Evaluation (DUE) tool: Benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine hypnotic medicines for insomnia in aged care facilities
· One-on-one educational visiting by NPS facilitators
· Small group discussions led by NPS facilitators
For further information visit www.nps.org.au/health_professionals.
Media enquiries to Katie Butt, NPS Media Adviser, 02 8217 8667 or kbutt@nps.org.au
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