Medication in Review
Diabetes in older persons
The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes among older persons highlights the need for pharmacists conducting medication reviews to remain up to date with shifting evidence and guidelines. By Debbie …
Bone health
Fracture risk from bone fragility increases with age. Osteoporosis and osteopenia affect more than six million Australians. The main factor predisposing to bone fragility is advanced age. Bone loss is …
Asthma and sleep
Asthma, sleep and sleep disorders appear to have complex, but significant relationships, particularly among people with severe asthma. By Debbie Rigby, advanced practice pharmacist Learning Objectives After completing this activity, …
Conversations on anticoagulants
Ensuring adequate anticoagulation is important to reduce the risk of strokes related to atrial fibrillation. A patient-centred approach should be taken to decide the appropriate oral anticoagulant therapy. By Debbie …
Oral corticosteroids鈥攏ot always forever
Pharmacists conducting comprehensive medication reviews need to take a best possible medication history to identify long-term and cumulative use of oral corticosteroids, recommend medications to optimise underlying conditions, identify other …
Frailty and COPD
Frailty is common among people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with an increased risk of adverse patient outcomes. By Debbie Rigby, advanced practice pharmacist Learning …
Polypharmacy stewardship
Ensuring medication safety in polypharmacy is one of the key roles for pharmacists conducting comprehensive medication reviews and providing quality use of medicines services in various healthcare settings and in …
Sarcopenia and polypharmacy
Sarcopenia is common among older persons living in the community and in residential aged care and is one of the most important causes of functional decline and loss of independence …
COPD and CVD comorbidity
Optimal management of COPD should include identification and management of comorbidities. As COPD has a high rate of comorbidity with cardiovascular disease, patients with COPD may benefit from cardioprotective medications …
Frailty and polypharmacy
Frailty substantially increases the risk of older persons experiencing medication-related harm. People approaching frailty or living with mild frailty should be targeted for medication reviews, regardless of the number of …
Medication-related symptoms: peripheral oedema
Peripheral oedema is a common condition among older persons, with varied causes. For pharmacists conducting medication reviews, a high index of suspicion for medication-related causes is warranted. By Debbie Rigby, …