Precision painkillers for chronic pain management
04 November, 2022Cassowary Pharmaceuticals, a University of Queensland spin-off company, is developing precision painkillers that are more accurate and less harmful to the liver.
Risk–benefit analysis of using opioids in EDs
24 October, 2022A systematic review of 42 academic research articles has found that the risk–benefit balance of using opioids in the ED setting remains unclear.
Why less is more when managing low back pain in the ED
22 September, 2022Associate Professor Liz Marles*, Clinical Director at the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, explains why it's time for a cultural shift in our approach to managing back pain.
Medical Cannabis: The Possible Hope For Chronic Pain
01 September, 2022With growing evidence of the harm and negative side-effects of opioids in managing chronic pain, there is hope that other alternatives exist that don't resign you to struggling through life with pain.
Retraining the brain to reduce chronic pain
03 August, 2022A randomised control trial that retrained the brains of people with back pain, and helped them to get moving, is reported to have shown promising results.
Cannabis: short-term gain, but long-term pain?
07 June, 2022US researchers have reviewed 25 trials and studies to evaluate the benefits and harms of cannabinoids for chronic pain.
CBD: very high doses don't affect driving, cognition
01 June, 2022Cannabidiol use seems to be increasing, with a recent University of Sydney study showing around 55,000 requests to access medicinal CBD approved since 2016.
More than 1800 drug-induced deaths in 2020: report
30 May, 2022In 2020, drug-induced deaths were nearly twice as frequent among males as females, according to a new report by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre.
Dry eye: 77% Australians experience symptoms but many unaware
25 May, 2022Despite the discomfort, only 11% of people would see an optometrist and only around 3% would speak to a pharmacist for advice.
248K medicinal cannabis scripts approved
10 May, 2022Around 248,000 medicinal cannabis scripts have been approved in Australia since 2016, and the drug is increasingly prescribed for various conditions, reveals a new study.
New opioids standard encourages alternatives, cessation plans
28 April, 2022The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has launched a new national standard for opioid analgesics to help prevent long-term harm.
New drug study hopes to help kids with severe epilepsy
10 February, 2022Researchers from the University of South Australia are working with European researchers to investigate a range of FDA-approved drugs with an aim to help kids with severe epilepsy.
New medicines agreements a boost for supply, sustainability: SHPA
08 September, 2021The SHPA has welcomed the medicines agreements as vital to protecting patients against shortages and ensuring medicines are accessible, available and cost-efficient.
New standard for opioid analgesics
01 September, 2021The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care is seeking comments on the draft clinical care standard for opioid analgesics.
Opioid overuse: Australia needs national strategy
04 August, 2021Australia needs a comprehensive, coordinated approach to overdose prevention by national and state governments and professional groups.
