CPD for pharmacists

Penicillin allergies are not always lifelong. Approximately 50% are lost over five years. A reaction to penicillin during a childhood infection is unlikely to be a true allergy.

Optimal management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis depends on successful collaboration between rheumatologists, GPs and community pharmacists.

Anticoagulation is indicated in most cases of venous thromboembolism.

A series of three modules to train prescribers and pharmacists on the use of the SafeScript system.

Access is restricted to health practitioners in Victoria.

Penicillins and cephalosporins can cause a similar spectrum of allergic reactions at a similar rate.

The clinical diagnosis of heart failure should be confirmed by echocardiogram to determine the underlying mechanism and to measure the left ventricular ejection fraction.

Warfarin and the new oral anticoagulants are licensed for non-valvular atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. The choice of anticoagulant depends on the characteristics of the patient and the medicine.

There are more than a dozen different inhaled medicines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and multiple devices. How can you help your patients get the best out of theirs?

If there are no features of serious disease, suspected gastro-oesophageal reflux disease can be initially managed with a trial of a proton pump inhibitor for 4–8 weeks. This should be taken 30–60 minutes before food for optimal effect.

Charlotte Keung and Geoffrey Hebbard, Aust Prescr 2016:39:6-10