CPD for pharmacists

Home blood pressure monitoring is the self-measurement of blood pressure by patients. In the diagnosis and management of high blood pressure it is complementary to 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and clinic blood pressure measurements.

Barry P McGrath, Aust Prescr 2015;38:16-9

The combined oral contraceptive pill is an effective contraceptive method which can also offer other benefits. However, other contraceptive options should be discussed. If the pill is the chosen method, prescribe a pill with the lowest effective dose of oestrogen and progestogen.

Mary Stewart and Kirsten Black, Aust Prescr 2015;38:6-11

Patients receiving palliative care are at high risk of adverse effects from drugs. As these effects can be difficult to distinguish from the symptoms of the terminal illness, harm from medicines is often not recognised.

Debra Rowett and David Currow, Aust Prescr 2014;37:204-9

Valproate is an anticonvulsant drug which is approved for use in epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It has also been used for neuropathic pain and migraine prophylaxis.

Efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein play an important role in drug transport in many organs. In the gut, P-glycoprotein pumps drugs back into the lumen, decreasing their absorption.

Andrew Finch and Peter Pillans, Aust Prescr 2014;37:137-9

Some nutrient supplements and herbal medicines have supportive evidence for efficacy in some mental health disorders, other products do not.

Jerome Sarris, Aust Prescr 2014;37:90-3

Depression treatment should be tailored to the individual patient. Meet two different patients with depression. How would you progress their initial care?

Dose administration aids can improve medicines management for some people. However, they have a number of limitations and are not suitable for all patients.

Rohan A Elliott, Aust Prescr 2014;37:46-50

Benji is a 3-year-old boy presenting in the Emergency Department of the local hospital with shortness of breath. He is brought in by his mother Bridgit. This case study covers asthma management, immunisation, and smoking cessation.