codeine Archives | AJP

World news wrapup: 22 February 2024

Megan Haggan — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 13:07:09 +0000

Kiwi pharmacist stole medicines, sold them on classifieds site; codeine linctus scheduled up in UK while pseudoephedrine scheduled down in NSW; pharmacist sentenced for doctor’s murder in India New Zealand: ...

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World news wrapup: 23 February 2023

Megan Haggan — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 13:01:01 +0000

Pharmacy finds candlelit workarounds in cyclone-affected NZ; teens arrested over Toronto robbery epidemic; Irish pharmacists against codeine upschedule Napier, New Zealand: Stuff has reported on how pharmacies have managed to ...

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Wastewater shows codeine use plunge

Megan Haggan — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 06:31:10 +0000

New findings from wastewater sampling show codeine use was slashed by over a third following the 2018 upschedule – and the researchers say perception of the drug has changed Scientists ...

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‘Just changing to prescription only doesn’t solve these issues.’

Megan Haggan — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 19:21:02 +0000

One pharmacy is accused of selling codeine daily to up to 50 people… but stakeholders calling for Ireland to follow in Australia’s footsteps may be “sorely disappointed,” warns a leading ...

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Vaccine fraud charge dropped

Megan Haggan — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 07:03:11 +0000

Charges have been dropped against a woman who allegedly tried to bribe a pharmacist to fake her COVID jab records Geraldton, WA: In November 2021, Geraldton Police said on Twitter ...

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‘Audacious, brazen, dishonest and unlawful.’

AJP Staff — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 07:05:52 +0000

A doctor has been disqualified from applying for registration for four years after he asked his patients to fill codeine scripts for him and paid them for the medication The ...

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‘Incredible oversupply’ of codeine

AJP Staff — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 09:42:41 +0000

A former pharmacy owner is awaiting a Tribunal decision on penalties after it heard her patient was receiving the highest amount of codeine in Victoria The Herald Sun reports that ...

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Could SafeScript have prevented man’s addictions?

AJP Staff — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:21:48 +0000

A coroner has recommended amended training on medicines which affect the central nervous system, after the death of a man from mixed drug toxicity Victorian coroner Leveasque Peterson has recommended ...

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Pain management and opioid misuse

Chris Brooker — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 10:57:08 +0000

Despite regulatory changes to codeine, pharmacists continue to play a vital role in the safe and appropriate use of analgesics As our knowledge of pain has progressed, we now recognise ...

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World news wrapup: 26 February 2021

Megan Haggan — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 13:08:52 +0000

Vaccine run highlights community pharmacy’s worth; BoJo lauds Sussex pharmacist; India cracks down on codeine cough syrups Donegal, Pennsylvania: Trib Live has reported on pharmacist Ed Christofano, who drove his ...

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The top ten: Features

Chris Brooker — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 07:43:36 +0000

Careers, colds, codeine and COVID: which of our features were pharmacists reading this year? In the first of series looking at our most read articles in 2020, we look at ...

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Are dentists being targeted for codeine?

Megan Haggan — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 08:04:40 +0000

A dentist and pharmacist has identified an increase in the prescribing by dentists of opioids, and suggests they should have access to real-time monitoring systems In a new article in ...

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Non-medical use of pharmaceuticals falls

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 20:30:37 +0000

The proportion of people using codeine for non-medical purposes has halved since 2016 and this is likely due to its upscheduling, according to the latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey ...

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Codeine quantities confirmed

Chris Brooker — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 09:02:21 +0000

No lasting increase in low-dose codeine use following upscheduling, TGA says, as study reveals pharmacists’ post-schedule experiences The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has found there was a temporary spike in the ...

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Research Roundup

Debbie Rigby — Mon, 25 May 2020 14:39:56 +0000

Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news Reasons for Nonadherence to Statins A Systematic Review of Reviews concludes that female gender, older and younger age, non-white race, low ...

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‘Misstep’ leads to battle over suspension length

AJP Staff — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 07:45:51 +0000

A call from a pharmacist should have alerted a GP that he was in breach of a “critical compliance condition” imposed on his registration, a Tribunal has heard At a ...

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The old and the new

Chris Brooker — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:51:17 +0000

A wide range of articles made our 10 most-read features for 2019, including some from the recent past Careers advice, pharmacist prescribing, changing methods of practice, clinical articles and Chemist ...

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Codeine poisonings plummet

AJP Staff — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 13:20:11 +0000

More research has confirmed a drop in codeine-related poisonings following the controversial upschedule The rescheduling of all codeine-containing products as prescription-only medications from 1 February 2018 is associated with a ...

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‘Highest rates of harm were observed with codeine.’

Sheshtyn Paola — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 05:00:06 +0000

Codeine and oxycodone were the most prevalent opioids related to ambulance attendances for extramedical opioid use over a six-year period, study finds A retrospective study has analysed 9,823 opioid-related ambulance ...

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Research Roundup

Megan Haggan — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 06:54:32 +0000

Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news Association between headache and low back pain A systematic review of 14 studies identified a positive association between persistent low back ...

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Non-prescribed codeine use trending down

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 07:30:21 +0000

What were the top 10 drug trends of 2019? And how do codeine and other opioids fit into the picture? Cocaine, ketamine and amyl nitrate use have all gone up ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 14:14:12 +0000

It’s been a busy week in the world of pharmacy… The TGA announced that several ranitidine-containing products including Zantac have been removed from the Australian market due to contamination with ...

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Here’s what happened when codeine was made prescription only

Guest Author — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 06:15:11 +0000

No, the sky didn’t fall in, write Rose Cairns, University of Sydney and Nicholas Buckley, University of Sydney Fears switching the painkiller codeine to a prescription only medicine would lead ...

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‘Massive and abrupt’ drop in codeine poisonings

Megan Haggan — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 07:52:59 +0000

Codeine sales and codeine-related poisoning calls have plummeted since the 1 February 2018 upschedule of low-dose codeine to Prescription Only New research led by the University of Sydney and published ...

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How do patients treat migraine?

Megan Haggan — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 08:01:30 +0000

A new report into migraine has found that GPs are still prescribing a lot of codeine, with more than half of sufferers obtaining the medicine to treat their condition The ...

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Patient received up to 57 prescription codeine tablets a day

Megan Haggan — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 07:56:32 +0000

A pharmacist has been fined $100,000 after her conviction for supplying “massive” quantities of prescription-only codeine to a patient Appearing before the Sunshine Magistrates Court, Huyen Tran pleaded guilty to ...

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World news wrapup: 6 June 2019

Megan Haggan — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 16:09:12 +0000

Canadian pharmacists call for codeine restrictions; barriers to Indian online pharmacist to be lowered; unsociable hours affect recruitment in UK Saskatchewan, Canada: Pharmacists in Canada are calling for stronger restrictions ...

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Are double script lengths really off the table?

Megan Haggan — Thu, 02 May 2019 07:37:44 +0000

During today’s Health debate, neither the Minister nor Shadow Minister ruled out the possibility of double-sized packs being dispensed for certain chronic conditions… with both saying instead that they would ...

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Data shows ‘pharmacy lobby’ were wrong: AMA

Megan Haggan — Wed, 01 May 2019 07:45:51 +0000

The AMA says that recent TGA data has “vindicated” the decision to upschedule low-dose codeine Several days ago, the TGA issued a report which analysed pharmaceutical industry sales data and ...

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Codeine drop ‘not necessarily a marker for success’

Megan Haggan — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 07:00:03 +0000

A new TGA report says the upschedule meant a “significant” drop in the amount of codeine supplied to Australians – but a Guild spokesperson says it’s early days yet A ...

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Research Roundup

Debbie Rigby — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 18:25:09 +0000

Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news Paracetamol versus placebo for knee and hip osteoarthritis Based on high‐quality evidence this Cochrane review confirms that paracetamol provides only minimal ...

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Guild predicted codeine outcome: Heffernan

Megan Haggan — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 08:04:25 +0000

Pharmacy Guild NSW president David Heffernan claims there may have been a “reframing of the truth” around the codeine upscheduling In his President’s Address in the latest NSW Guild newsletter, ...

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What happened following the codeine upschedule?

Sheshtyn Paola — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 19:30:15 +0000

PBS data shows no evidence of increased opioid prescribing in the year after the codeine reschedule, with overall opioid use trending down, according to ongoing research It’s been over one ...

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Codeine: what a difference a year makes… or does it?

Megan Haggan — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 05:25:55 +0000

As the low-dose codeine upschedule loomed, predictions were made of an increase in crime, an increase in scripts for stronger opioids, and patients left in pain… but did it happen? ...

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The lowdown on codeine

Chris Brooker — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 05:49:22 +0000

Pharmacy researchers want to hear your thoughts on what has happened since codeine went prescription-only Researchers from Griffith University are conducting a survey of pharmacists to ascertain what has happened ...

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‘Ask me anything’

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 19:00:07 +0000

A community pharmacist has answered the public’s questions on a popular online forum, covering Chemist Warehouse, wages, homeopathy, codeine and more A pharmacist with five years’ experience under their belt ...

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The price of change

Chris Brooker — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 07:32:48 +0000

Were pharmacists really inflating codeine prices after upscheduling? Or was it due to workload or economic factors? The Department of Health has told Parliament it is aware of “anecdotal information ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 17:51:09 +0000

It’s been a busy week in the pharmacy sector, with new information on drug trends, a number of health awareness days and another shot in the turf war There was ...

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How did the codeine upschedule change use?

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 19:00:40 +0000

Latest data reveals a decline in use of low-dose codeine in 2018, but is there more to the story? UNSW’s National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) has released the ...

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An inferior solution

Guest Author — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:43:41 +0000

A better solution is needed for codeine-containing medicines says Warwick Plunkett, in our final UTS Pharmacy Barometer article Responses to the UTS Barometer survey about the removal of over-the-counter (OTC) ...

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Codeine buyers still buying codeine

Megan Haggan — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 07:00:05 +0000

Four-fifths of people who have visited a doctor to get a codeine prescription have not been offered an alternative, new data shows A survey commissioned by AFT Pharmaceuticals looked at ...

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Codeine canned for Kiwi kids

Megan Haggan — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 08:07:29 +0000

New Zealand’s health professionals have been advised not to give codeine at all to children aged under 12, or to breastfeeding mothers New Zealand regulator Medsafe, and the Medicines Adverse ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 20:56:22 +0000

All eyes are on Sydney this week as the Pharmaceutical Society hosts its annual conference, PSA18 The PSA has announced its top honours for the year: John Jackson was named ...

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Pharmacy more than ‘retail end’ of health

Megan Haggan — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 06:54:23 +0000

Queensland is “out of step” with other jurisdictions, the Pharmacy Guild says in its submission to the state’s inquiry into the sector And Courier-Mail editor Sam Weir says that wider ...

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Censured for faking codeine scripts

Megan Haggan — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 08:51:30 +0000

A New Zealand pharmacist has been censured after she created false codeine prescriptions and had them filled The New Zealand Health Practitioners’ Discliplinary Tribunal heard a charge of professional misconduct ...

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Safescript only the first step

Megan Haggan — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 04:54:29 +0000

Victoria has added codeine to its Safescript real-time monitoring program in a move welcomed by the PSA State Minister for Health Jill Hennessy said that laws coming into effect on ...

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How did the codeine change affect your patients?

Megan Haggan — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 08:11:40 +0000

The Pharmacy Guild’s NSW branch wants to know how the codeine upschedule has impacted pharmacists and their patients Pharmacists have been invited to ask their patients to participate in the ...

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Meds shortages roundup

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 06:30:22 +0000

Codeine product shortages are winding up while other medicines are set to experience longer delays Four codeine products recently experienced shortages due to increased demand following the February upschedule, as ...

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Research Roundup

Debbie Rigby — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 17:36:07 +0000

Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news Deprescribing benzodiazepine receptor agonists This paper includes an evidence-based guideline to help clinicians make decisions about when and how to safely ...

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Price hike claims cleared

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 20:00:30 +0000

Pharmacists, manufacturers and wholesalers have been cleared by the ACCC after being accused of hiking up prices of low-dose codeine following the upschedule Based on reports of consumer anger over increased ...

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Research Roundup

Debbie Rigby — Wed, 30 May 2018 18:00:09 +0000

Codeine dependence, cannabinoids, acute dental pain and deprescribing… Debbie Rigby covers the latest research relevant to pharmacists Identifying and treating codeine dependence: a systematic review Codeine dependence is a significant ...

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Codeine shortage continues

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 28 May 2018 20:00:51 +0000

More codeine-containing products are experiencing shortages due to increased demand in the wake of the upschedule In mid-April, AJP reported that Sanofi had seen a shortage of two of its ...

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What happened after 1 February 2018?

Sheshtyn Paola — Sun, 13 May 2018 18:00:31 +0000

Inspectors have been routinely asking pharmacists about abuse or threats arising from the rescheduling… here’s what they found With the codeine upschedule occurring on 1 February this year, the police ...

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Ad mentioning codeine comes under fire

Megan Haggan — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:10:16 +0000

Advertising for an ibuprofen/paracetamol combination painkiller is under investigation, says mainstream media… but are the allegations true? A spokesperson for the Federal Health Department reportedly told the Daily Telegraph that ...

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More codeine to be upscheduled?

Megan Haggan — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 08:53:52 +0000

Not satisfied with the February 1 upschedule of low-dose codeine, one stakeholder has applied to upschedule some codeine-containing products to S8 A proposed amendment to the scheduling of codeine has ...

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Codeine products in shortage

Sheshtyn Paola — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 21:30:41 +0000

Two codeine-containing products are experiencing shortages due to increased demand in the wake of the codeine upschedule Sanofi has seen a shortage of two of its codeine products, Panamax Co ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 18:00:13 +0000

It may have been a short week for many, but it’s been a busy week for the Pharmacy Guild Following our tongue-in-cheek announcement on 1 April that the Pharmacy Guild ...

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NSW Guild renews call for real time monitoring

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 09:00:04 +0000

Concerns that drug companies are using codeine upschedule to market stronger painkillers reveal an urgent need for real-time recording, says Guild Pharmaceutical companies have come under fire for allegedly using ...

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‘Most widely misused’: benzos, opioid analgesics

Sheshtyn Paola — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 17:00:38 +0000

A new report tabled in Victorian Parliament has highlighted misuse of pharmaceuticals as the leading cause of drug-induced deaths in Australia The Victorian Parliament’s Law Reform, Road and Community Safety ...

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TGA hits back on codeine controversy

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 17:00:02 +0000

The TGA has responded to RMIT ABC’s Fact Check article, reaffirming its stance that OTC codeine sales have been responsible for more than 100 deaths per year Last week, RMIT ...

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Codeine deaths claim ‘doesn’t stack up’: Fact Check

Sheshtyn Paola — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 07:30:22 +0000

RMIT ABC Fact Check has concluded Minister Hunt’s claim that making codeine prescription-only would save 100 lives a year doesn’t stack up to evidence In a move that is sure ...

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‘Deep seeded contempt of the community pharmacist’

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 17:00:54 +0000

NSW Guild has briefed members on preparing for potential upcoming State and Federal elections, citing ‘contempt’ for community pharmacy within some government departments NSW Guild President David Heffernan has called ...

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Physios asked to ‘show empathy’ for codeine-seeking patients

Megan Haggan — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 07:02:16 +0000

In line with moves to promote physiotherapy as an alternative to opioids, the TGA has produced advice for physios The RACGP has encouraged GPs to refer patients to physiotherapists as ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 18:03:42 +0000

Opioids are still in the news, as methadone patients are vilified in the press and pharmacists respond to accusations of price gouging The Pharmacy Guild‘s Anthony Tassone says he has ...

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Guild responds over price hike accusations

Megan Haggan — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 07:44:39 +0000

The Guild has written to PainAustralia after its CEO suggested that pharmacists were responsible for increasing the price of low-dose codeine Last week the CEO of PainAustralia, Carol Bennett, said ...

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Tasmanians to track low-dose codeine

Megan Haggan — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 07:16:33 +0000

Tasmania is leading the way as it sets up real time monitoring of formerly-OTC codeine, pharmacy stakeholders say The island state has announced that it plans to implement Drugs and ...

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How to handle codeine scripts

Megan Haggan — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 07:07:26 +0000

The Pharmacy Board has advised on handling scripts for large quantities of codeine-containing preparations In its latest communique, the Pharmacy Board has received a request for advice about how pharmacists ...

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Out of stocks, misperceptions hit patients

Megan Haggan — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 07:36:47 +0000

Pharmacists and consumers are frustrated at the gap between supply and demand for low-dose codeine – and consumers are still confused Advantage Pharmacy CEO Steven Kastrinakis told the AJP that ...

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Confusion reigns as codeine shortage continues

Megan Haggan — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 07:35:45 +0000

Consumers are speaking out about the lack of stock situation in pharmacies – and they’re not happy In a piece titled “Codeine ban is one painful bungle after another,” News ...

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Pain group takes aim at Pain MedsChecks

Megan Haggan — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 07:12:38 +0000

Another stakeholder has alleged that pharmacists are responsible for the increased price of low-dose codeine – and taken aim at Pain MedsChecks Chronic Pain Australia, which represents people living with ...

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Pharmacists copping codeine price fury

Megan Haggan — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 07:50:33 +0000

Anger over the increased price of low-dose codeine is growing – and pharmacists are in the firing line Pharmacy Guild NSW Branch president David Heffernan has hit back at claims ...

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Self-prescribing leads to deregistration

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 17:00:30 +0000

A NSW doctor with a codeine dependency has been struck off for prescribing scheduled medicines to himself over 600 times in just two years A doctor who had practised in ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 18:55:33 +0000

It’s been a busy week in Canberra—for the pharmacy sector as well as for those interested in the private life of embattled Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce We saw the sunset ...

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Severe pain led to codeine theft

Megan Haggan — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 07:32:34 +0000

A woman stole codeine and other drugs due to severe ongoing pain, a court has heard Grafton’s Daily Examiner reports that Alicia Lee Cachia was involved in a car accident ...

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Heffernan blasts TGA on codeine

Megan Haggan — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 07:06:18 +0000

A Guild state president has vowed to continue the fight on codeine and praised the recent NZ downscheduling decision Pharmacy Guild NSW Branch president David Heffernan has queried the validity ...

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Responding to codeine effects

Sheshtyn Paola — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 17:00:47 +0000

Under-reporting of codeine dependence is highly likely and interventions are needed, say Australian researchers in new systematic review A systematic review published this week in the Medical Journal of Australia ...

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Real time monitoring: your say

Megan Haggan — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 03:47:28 +0000

Victoria has opened a public consultation on the proposed regulations to support SafeScript, the real-time prescription monitoring system Minister for Health Jill Hennessy has released the proposed Drugs, Poisons and ...

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Guild to doctors: Join us

Megan Haggan — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 07:05:36 +0000

Doctor groups need to join the Guild to drive the implementation of real time monitoring, says David Quilty In this week’s edition of Forefront, Pharmacy Guild executive director David Quilty ...

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Thieves target codeine combo

Megan Haggan — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 00:49:38 +0000

Just days after the low-dose codeine upschedule, a Victorian pharmacy has been burgled and codeine taken Police say criminals used a sledgehammer and crowbar to break into a Lilydale pharmacy ...

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Need for script monitoring post upschedule

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 17:00:34 +0000

A Dubbo pharmacist has called for real-time reporting of codeine dispensing in his local press, mirroring the Guild’s advocacy for a national system There is a huge need for real-time ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 18:00:18 +0000

This week saw one of the most talked-about changes in pharmacy history finally take place: low-dose codeine is now Prescription Only The mainstream media reported extensively on the upschedule, with ...

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Codeine: the fallout

Megan Haggan — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 07:41:56 +0000

Australians have been warned they may have to pay more for low-dose codeine now it’s on script… and pharmacists are cast as the culprits In a Herald Sun article this ...

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Codeine conversation highlights opioid trouble

Megan Haggan — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 07:49:58 +0000

The Pharmacy Guild’s advocacy has shone a light on the extent of codeine misuse, says AMA chief Doctor groups today welcomed the upschedule of low-dose codeine, with AMA president Dr ...

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Use cannabis, not codeine, for pain: Leyonhjelm

Megan Haggan — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 07:08:09 +0000

The pain relief gap left by codeine should be filled by cannabis, says libertarian Senator Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonhjelm has called on the Federal Government to smooth the way ...

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‘I’m buying drugs this week!’

Megan Haggan — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 07:06:25 +0000

A TV personality has received criticism after saying he was planning to stock up on codeine… but he’s not sorry Andrew “Cosi” Costello, who presents the “South Aussie with Cosi” ...

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Poll: Are you getting codeine backlash?

Megan Haggan — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 03:00:26 +0000

The OTC codeine ban is here… but what about the expected customer backlash from those who didn’t know? Last month, the AJP reported that 51% of readers had received “many” ...

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Facing the public

Guest Author — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 10:57:48 +0000

From 1 February you will face objections – you and your staff need to maintain equanimity and learn to LARF, say Glenn Guilfoyle and Paul Jaffar We have all seen ...

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Codeine: ‘I’ve never seen such angry texts’.

Megan Haggan — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 04:48:28 +0000

The OTC codeine ban could save 100 lives a year, the Health Minister says, as ABC journalist reveals consumer fury And ahead of the upschedule of low-dose codeine products, mainstream ...

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Could a GP app ease codeine trouble?

Megan Haggan — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 07:45:55 +0000

A GP app could be the solution to an expected influx of patients seeking pain relief, its developer suggests A medical scientist and former pharmacy assistant is developing doctoroo, an ...

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‘Armies’ dependent on codeine

Megan Haggan — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 07:34:46 +0000

AMA president Dr Michael Gannon has warned of “challenges,” including for emergency departments, dealing with codeine-seeking patients Dr Gannon spoke with 2GB’s Ben Fordham today following the release of a ...

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Booze risk for pain sufferers

Megan Haggan — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 07:20:29 +0000

People who have been overusing codeine may switch to alcohol misuse after Thursday’s upschedule, one expert warns And it’s likely to be those overusing codeine only a little—to treat pain ...

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Could NSW go its own way on codeine?

Megan Haggan — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 02:54:57 +0000

Rules around pharmacist vaccinations differ between states – and the same could happen for codeine availability, one stakeholder says With only two days to go before low-dose codeine is upscheduled ...

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Letter to the editor: Upschedule is about protecting patients

Guest Author — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 07:44:12 +0000

Response to article published in the AJP – OTC codeine death claims must stop by A/Prof Adrian Reynolds The Australian Journal of Pharmacy article with Pharmacy Guild NSW Branch president ...

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No GP S8 prescription ban: TGA

Megan Haggan — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 07:31:28 +0000

There is no substance to reports that GPs could be banned from prescribing S8 analgesics, the TGA says Over the long weekend, Fairfax and News media reported that the TGA’s ...

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New social media videos on codeine

AJP Staff — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 03:36:07 +0000

ScriptWise has launched new videos on social media as the February 1st codeine rescheduling deadline looms Codeine will become prescription-only this Thursday following the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s decision that the ...

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Pain trial ‘a great move forward’

Megan Haggan — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 19:35:13 +0000

The $20 million Pain MedsCheck trial is about ensuring pharmacy is at the frontline of primary care, says Greg Hunt Last week, the Health Minister announced a Pain MedsCheck trial, ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 18:19:17 +0000

Pain was on the agenda this week, as the disagreements about codeine continue On Thursday, Health Minister Greg Hunt announced a $20 million initiative, run through community pharmacies, to help ...

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Clinical tips: acute pain

Ben Basger — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 15:53:18 +0000

In the last days before the codeine upschedule, it’s time to look at how we manage acute pain, writes Ben Basger What do you think about codeine? Are we going ...

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A pain free transition

AJP Staff — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 08:24:45 +0000

PDL takes a look at a challenging codeine customer situation From 1 February 2018 medicines containing codeine will no longer be available without a prescription due to the Therapeutic Goods ...

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Media reports could have pushed stockpiling

Megan Haggan — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 07:46:46 +0000

More than a fifth of codeine users are currently stockpiling the drug, new research suggests myDNA conducted research to find out how many Australians are using over-the-counter codeine-containing analgesics, ahead ...

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MedsCheck for pain to be trialed

Megan Haggan — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 01:47:21 +0000

Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced a $20 million trial program to help people suffering chronic pain, to be run through community pharmacies The Guild and PSA have welcomed the ...

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Codeine claims and counter-claims

Megan Haggan — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 07:38:59 +0000

Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy and the University of Sydney’s Peter Carroll have gone head-to-head on Radio National debating codeine efficacy and implication in overdose The two spoke to the ...

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Leading the world

Chris Brooker — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 17:17:13 +0000

Why is Australian pharmacy not being recognised for its world-leading programs for codeine and pseudoephedrine recording and monitoring? Australian pharmacy has established world’s best practice in handling and recording sales ...

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Three wrong statements on codeine

Guest Author — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 14:17:08 +0000

Peter Carroll takes a look at three recent claims around codeine Recently several claims regarding codeine have been circulating which I believe are untrue. Claim: Paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medications, alone ...

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OTC codeine death claims ‘must stop’

Megan Haggan — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 07:53:05 +0000

Pharmacy Guild NSW Branch president David Heffernan has hit out at recent claims about deaths associated with OTC codeine, saying they defame pharmacists In a message to NSW Guild members, ...

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OTC codeine: who’s addicted?

Megan Haggan — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 07:27:02 +0000

It’s possible that some people with codeine use disorder will emerge after February 2018 and present for help after their supplies run out, stakeholders say In an editorial in Australian ...

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Five ways to respond to unhappy codeine customers

Megan Haggan — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 04:56:28 +0000

NPS MedicineWise has released new guidance for pharmacists on the codeine upschedule, focusing on five consumer concerns Drawing on the most common complaints and questions aired on social media about ...

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Keeping to the script

Chris Brooker — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 09:32:07 +0000

Don’t fall back on opioids or codeine combination products after Feb 1 rescheduling deadline, prescribers warned, as AMA boss says stockpiling is not a concern Australian prescribers have been warned ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 17:24:27 +0000

With the clock ticking as Australia counts down the last couple of weeks to the codeine upschedule, it’s no surprise that the controversial drug made headlines this week The Society ...

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Single ingredient codeine downscheduled

Megan Haggan — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 19:17:47 +0000

Single ingredient codeine medicines are set to be downscheduled across the Tasman New Zealand’s Medicines Classification Committee (MCC) has decided to downschedule single ingredient codeine medicines and upschedule all codeine ...

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World News Wrapup: 18 January 2018

Megan Haggan — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 17:17:56 +0000

Kenya bans OTC codeine; Finns outline most worrisome OTCs; Pacific Pharmacists’ Group formalises Kenya: Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board has banned the sale of all codeine-containing preparations without prescription. According ...

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Codeine makes headlines as pharmacists warn of trouble ahead

Megan Haggan — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 06:52:47 +0000

Pharmacists are taking to mainstream media outlets both large and small to express their opinions on the upcoming codeine changes Several pharmacists around the country have given interviews to state ...

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Rural, remote dwellers more vulnerable

AJP Staff — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 05:00:53 +0000

The National Rural Health Alliance is developing specialised information for people living in rural and remote areas ahead of the codeine upschedule The resources are aimed at ensuring people living ...

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Patient pushback?

Sheshtyn Paola — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 17:00:05 +0000

Pharmacists seem to be experiencing an influx in complaints and stockpiling behaviour as the codeine upschedule approaches, according to poll results More than half (51%) of respondents to an AJP ...

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US further restricts codeine

Megan Haggan — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 06:53:39 +0000

The US Food and Drug Administration has announced measures to limit the use of opioid-containing cough and cold preparations by children The FDA says the safety labelling changes will affect ...

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Five top codeine questions revealed

Megan Haggan — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 03:47:12 +0000

NPS MedicineWise has highlighted the five most common questions about the codeine upschedule – and released resources for non-English speaking patients Ahead of the impending upschedule to prescription only of ...

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Coming ready or not

Guest Author — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 05:56:43 +0000

There are 10 key things pharmacies should be doing if they are to give themselves a chance for success in the post-February 1 world, say Bruce Annabel and Mal Scrymgeour ...

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A side effect to the upschedule

Guest Author — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 17:00:59 +0000

With codeine-containing medicines going to prescription-only, has the time come to again restrict the sale of all ibuprofen products to pharmacies? Ron Batagol, PhC,FSHP,AGIA, Dip.Jnl. Pharmacist and Obstetric Medication and ...

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Patients in pain

Chris Brooker — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 10:40:52 +0000

Pharmacy patients are complaining of being “treated like drug addicts” as codeine change awareness spreads, say extended hours pharmacists With the codeine upscheduling deadline of 1 February looming, the Extended ...

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Winning ‘except-when’ status for codeine

Guest Author — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 18:41:24 +0000

Have you ever had to sell something that you didn’t quite believe? Tough isn’t it, says pharmacist Peter Feros But the scenario above is what we pharmacists are being asked ...

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‘We have overprescribed oxycodone, codeine’ says AMA chief

Megan Haggan — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 07:45:18 +0000

The health sector needs a “fundamental re-education” around the use of analgesics in chronic pain, says AMA president Dr Michael Gannon And doctors have been over-prescribing opioids over recent years, ...

The post ‘We have overprescribed oxycodone, codeine’ says AMA chief appeared first on AJP.

Research Roundup

Debbie Rigby — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 14:45:28 +0000

Debbie Rigby takes a look at the latest in research news Deprescribing antihyperglycemic agents in older persons This guideline provides practical recommendations for making decisions about deprescribing antihyperglycemic agents. Deprescribing ...

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NSW Guild stands firm on codeine exception

Megan Haggan — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 07:15:53 +0000

Australia is in a “peculiar” situation where public sentiment opposes policy when it comes to codeine, says NSW Guild president David Heffernan In the NSW Guild eBulletin Mr Heffernan writes ...

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Amcal looks at personal plans for codeine patients

Megan Haggan — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 04:11:38 +0000

Amcal is reaching out to OTC codeine users in preparation for the looming upschedule The Amcal banner is rolling out tailored pain management plans for patients in the lead-up to ...

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Half feel unprepared to help codeine misusers

Megan Haggan — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 07:04:16 +0000

Only half of pharmacists believe they are adequately prepared to deal with a patient who is abusing OTC codeine, new figures show Among the data released by this week’s UTS ...

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An unscheduled dilemma

Megan Haggan — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 22:31:30 +0000

In the first of our series of reviews of the biggest issues facing pharmacy in 2017, Megan Haggan looks at the fraught issue of the codeine upschedule There’s no doubt ...

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‘They have never had to establish they provide a public benefit.’

Megan Haggan — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 07:17:51 +0000

Community Council for Australia CEO David Crosbie has queried the Pharmacy Guild’s influence over politicians and likened it to the alcohol industry or the NRA In an opinion piece in ...

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Participants needed for codeine study

AJP Staff — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 02:00:13 +0000

Researchers investigating the impact of codeine being available only by prescription are seeking individuals who have regularly used it as an over-the-counter medicine The study is being conducted by Associate ...

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A changing landscape

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 17:00:02 +0000

Recent codeine survey reveals more consumers approve than disapprove of the upschedule – a shift from earlier surveys An online survey of 1,028 randomly selected Australian adults conducted from 10th to ...

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Pharmacists aren’t aiding stockpiling

Megan Haggan — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 07:56:22 +0000

Doctors have taken to mainstream media to claim that codeine addicts are stockpiling – and pharmacists are letting them Pharmacy leaders have described as a “beat-up” the suggestion that pharmacists ...

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How new codeine laws will affect our rural communities

Guest Author — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 16:02:37 +0000

Rural and regional pharmacists need to act now to smoothe the codeine upschedule transition, writes Steven Kastrinakis From 1 February 2018, medicines containing codeine will no longer be available from ...

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Codeine dos and don’ts

Megan Haggan — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 01:30:42 +0000

The TGA has released new guidelines to help pharmacy assistants during the codeine upschedule transition It has highlighted the fact that because of legal restrictions around advertising Pharmacist Only Medicines ...

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A snapshot of scepticism

Megan Haggan — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 07:36:45 +0000

A new study has quantified the disconnect between GP views on the codeine upschedule, and those held by pharmacists and codeine users The study, Attitudes in Australia on the upscheduling ...

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No more Codral codeine

Megan Haggan — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 07:28:15 +0000

Johnson & Johnson Pacific has confirmed that it will discontinue its codeine-containing Codral formulation The current formulation containing low-dose codeine is being phased out, a spokesperson for the company told ...

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TWC pharmacists build on learning

AJP Staff — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 03:00:38 +0000

TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacists have heard about ways to manage the codeine upschedule transition at an inaugural Masterclass TerryWhite Chemmart is celebrating the extension of its Masterclass program, with more than ...

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Codeine safety update

Megan Haggan — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 03:12:58 +0000

The TGA has warned against using codeine in children under 12 In its latest Medicines Safety Update, the TGA has advised that the recommendations of its safety review of codeine ...

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Study to examine upschedule impact

Megan Haggan — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 00:45:28 +0000

Regular users of medicines containing codeine are being invited to participate in a study on how the rescheduling will affect them A University of Tasmania research project is aiming to ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 18:21:49 +0000

The Melbourne Cup may have stopped the nation on Tuesday, but in the meantime the pharmacy sector stayed busy… Health Minister Greg Hunt took to the MJA to laud the ...

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Codeine: a done deal

Chris Brooker — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 17:00:32 +0000

Upscheduling to go ahead on 1 February, after TGA didn’t receive any formal submission to delay, senior bureaucrat confirms OTC codeine in Australia is set to become a memory with ...

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“It’s a matter for the states”

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 07:30:09 +0000

Following the COAG meeting of health ministers, Hunt maintains the states have “full control” over the upschedule implementation Health Minister Greg Hunt says codeine was raised as a topic of ...

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Bowing to pressure?

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 17:00:22 +0000

Despite Guild reportedly “backing down” from lobbying over codeine upschedule, health groups are still concerned as ministers set to meet today With health ministers across the country to meet on ...

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Codeine: it’s now up to the states

Megan Haggan — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 04:13:45 +0000

The Pharmacy Guild has reversed its position on the codeine upschedule – or so says the Health Minister Speaking at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ conference in Sydney ...

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Libs corner Hunt on codeine

Megan Haggan — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 07:25:22 +0000

Liberal MPs have flagged concerns with Health Minister Greg Hunt over the codeine upschedule in a party room meeting The Guardian reports that Tim Wilson, Russell Broadbent, Jason Falinski and ...

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No ‘snowflake in hell’s chance’ of approval were codeine invented today

Megan Haggan — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 05:56:35 +0000

MedsASSIST is “inadequate” and codeine would not be approved were it invented today, the AMA president has said But the Pharmacy Guild says that the decision-making tool deserves to be ...

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Hospital pharmacy backs upschedule

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 17:00:31 +0000

The Society of Hospital Pharmacists has sided with medical groups in their stance on the regulatory decision Last week, all State and Territory Health Ministers except for South Australia’s new ...

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World news wrapup: 19 October 2017

Megan Haggan — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 16:56:13 +0000

NZ pharmacists oppose codeine upschedule; most Zambian pharmacies operating illegally; Chicago moves to reduce script pressure New Zealand: Radio New Zealand has detailed a debate over the potential upscheduling of ...

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Guild to doctors: stop hurling abuse

Megan Haggan — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 02:32:37 +0000

The Pharmacy Guild has rejected claims it’s putting profits ahead of patient safety “Chemists are putting profits ahead of patient safety as they try to fight new rules that will ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 18:14:24 +0000

Codeine stayed in the headlines this week, amid a flurry of announcements from stakeholder bodies The codeine debate rolled on, with State and Territory Health Ministers responding to NSW Nationals ...

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WA Health Minister codeine ‘backflip’

Megan Haggan — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 07:26:06 +0000

The AMA’s West Australian branch has accused the State’s Health Minister, Roger Cook, of risking residents’ health Mr Cook, alongside all other State and Territory Health Ministers bar South Australian ...

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Your top 10

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 08:00:43 +0000

Chemist Warehouse dominated the most-read stories on AJP for the past month… /news/cwh-announces-seven-new-supercare-pharmacies/ /news/calls-for-cwh-to-be-fined-2million/ /news/chemist-warehouse-worth/ /news/pharmacys-10-rising-stars/ /news/happy-world-pharmacists-day/ /news/amazon-australias-not-ready/ /news/stolen-script-pad-used/ /news/chemist-warehouse-frustrated-bills/ /news/codeine-1-february/ /news/psych-suspended-s8-s4d-overprescribing/

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Rural doctors query Guild codeine access comments

Megan Haggan — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 05:34:50 +0000

Rural doctors have weighed in on the codeine debate, saying they strongly support the TGA’s decision to upschedule The Rural Doctors Association of Australia makes a point of calling for ...

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Guild commercial interest risking patients: Kruys

Megan Haggan — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 07:11:40 +0000

A high-profile GP has accused the Guild of being a “disruptive factor in healthcare” over the codeine debate RACGP Queensland chair Dr Edwin Kruys has written on his Doctor’s Bag ...

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Would codeine be listed today?

Megan Haggan — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 06:52:28 +0000

Codeine might not even be approved for use if it was introduced today, one doctor says “I think if codeine was invented next week, it might struggle to get listed,” ...

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Health Ministers worried about upschedule consequences

Megan Haggan — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 02:19:14 +0000

State and Territory Health Ministers have answered a call to address the codeine upschedule In a move commended by the Pharmacy Guild, all State and Territory Health Ministers – bar ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 18:03:55 +0000

This week began with accolades for pharmacy’s future leaders, but ended with debate with doctors over codeine Controversy has erupted—again—over codeine and the 1 February upschedule, with NSW Nationals leader ...

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Doctors erupt over Nats codeine announcement

Megan Haggan — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 01:47:32 +0000

The AMA has accused the Pharmacy Guild of “actively undermining” the TGA over the codeine upschedule Following yesterday’s announcement by NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro that the NSW Nationals supported ...

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Nats call to reverse or compromise codeine decision

Megan Haggan — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 06:13:07 +0000

The NSW National Party has thrown its support behind the Guild’s “prescription – except when” concept At the Harden Pharmacy in regional NSW, state Deputy Premier and Nationals Leader John ...

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Why upscheduling codeine won’t solve any problem

Guest Author — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 18:04:57 +0000

The rescheduling of OTC codeine-containing analgesics to prescription only won’t reduce misuse or increase patient safety, writes Professor Peter Carroll I believe the TGA’s decision to upschedule OTC codeine-containing preparations ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 18:18:52 +0000

Recognition for pharmacists was an issue this week: whether in terms of consumer awareness or pay The week started by recognising the important work pharmacists do, with World Pharmacists’ Day; ...

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Docs ‘missing the point’ on codeine harms

Megan Haggan — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 06:09:41 +0000

The Guild has told doctors to “get real” about tackling the harms caused by opioid misuse Guild president George Tambassis was responding to today’s RACP statement on codeine, criticising it ...

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Codeine rescheduling and its impact on consumer access to medication

Megan Haggan — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 18:57:57 +0000

Dr Angel Gonzalez takes a look at the implications of the codeine decision Community pharmacies have been facing a growing concern with the problematic use of drugs containing substances with ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 18:52:30 +0000

Codeine news and the prospect of $20 online prescriptions caused controversy this week The ever-present issue of codeine loomed large this week, as the results of this study, which helped ...

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Anger ‘likely to grow’ as February approaches

Megan Haggan — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 08:12:40 +0000

Australians have expressed anger and confusion about codeine on NPS MedicineWise’ Facebook page The cascade of comments came after NPS posted alerting consumers to the upcoming codeine schedule change. NPS ...

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I’ve got 99 problems… and codeine is one

Sheshtyn Paola — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 18:00:48 +0000

Results of a new study on the cost of OTC codeine informed the TGA in its upscheduling decision – but Guild says there is more to the story Researchers from ...

The post I’ve got 99 problems… and codeine is one appeared first on AJP.

Now Canada’s considering a codeine change

Megan Haggan — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 08:09:15 +0000

Yet another country is considering upscheduling low-dose codeine products to prescription-only status Canada’s Department of Health is seeking feedback on its proposal to require all products containing codeine to be ...

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Consumers confused by codeine crackdown

Megan Haggan — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 08:18:38 +0000

Consumers have reacted with concern to a news story highlighting the upcoming codeine schedule change On Friday, News Corp journalist Debbie Schipp reported on the imminent “codeine crackdown” following the ...

The post Consumers confused by codeine crackdown appeared first on AJP.

Codeine – let’s hear all the facts

Guest Author — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 09:19:38 +0000

Misinformation is muddying the waters around the Guild’s proposals for continued pharmacist provision of codeine-containing medicines, says Anthony Tassone Concern over the impact on patients of the upcoming rescheduling of ...

The post Codeine – let’s hear all the facts appeared first on AJP.

What to do with your codeine stock after 1 February

Megan Haggan — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 08:17:40 +0000

The TGA has advised on codeine stock management following the upcoming reschedule to prescription only The TGA has updated information for wholesalers, sponsors and retail pharmacies regarding the upscheduling of ...

The post What to do with your codeine stock after 1 February appeared first on AJP.

Codeine: what’s on the agenda?

Sheshtyn Paola — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 18:00:47 +0000

TGA, Guild and PSA have all released new guidance for pharmacists in the lead up, while lobbying for changes still continues in the background The TGA has released its latest ...

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A time for clarity

Guest Author — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 07:41:45 +0000

Pharmacy needs clarity and unity if it is to have a strategic approach to codeine rescheduling, says Rick Samimi The codeine rescheduling issue has been challenging for community pharmacy. Despite ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 20:14:47 +0000

It’s been a high-stakes week in pharmacy, with the lid lifted on pharmacist stress As pharmacies in the US battle to help people affected by Hurricane Harvey, it appears that ...

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Pharmacy urged to back codeine upschedule

Megan Haggan — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 05:26:56 +0000

The RACGP has used International Overdose Awareness Day to tell pharmacy to support the codeine upschedule August 31 is Overdose Awareness Day, held worldwide to raise awareness of overdose, reduce ...

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New program to treat pharmaceutical addiction

Megan Haggan — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 19:19:52 +0000

Australia still fails to treat drug and alcohol misuse as the health issues they are, says one expert Dr Tamsin Short, executive director of Drug and Alcohol Services at Connect4Health, ...

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Prepare now for life after OTC codeine

Debbie Rigby — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 15:30:43 +0000

It’s time to talk to patients about protecting them from opioid-related harms, writes Debbie Rigby From 1 February 2018 all codeine-based medications will become prescription-only. Low-dose codeine is currently used ...

The post Prepare now for life after OTC codeine appeared first on AJP.

The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 17:30:26 +0000

Pay has been high on the agenda this week in community pharmacy The PSA‘s Dr Shane Jackson told the AJP that a way to improve the pay situation is to ...

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Doctors will prescribe less codeine: Gannon

Megan Haggan — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 06:30:43 +0000

Seeking an exemption from prescription for codeine-containing products is heading into “dangerous territory,” says AMA chief And it’s likely doctors will prescribe less codeine and at lower doses after the ...

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Symbion hosts codeine forums

Megan Haggan — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 05:27:03 +0000

Symbion is helping to educate pharmacy about the impacts of codeine changes The wholesaler is conducting a series of forums around the country to help manage the transition of low-dose ...

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Next year’s codeine behaviour forecast

Megan Haggan — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 09:00:48 +0000

New figures show many will still see pharmacy as their first port of call for pain relief after codeine is upscheduled New research from Sanofi Consumer Healthcare investigated the likely ...

The post Next year’s codeine behaviour forecast appeared first on AJP.

The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 18:36:41 +0000

It’s been a busy week in Australian community pharmacy, with the big issues looming large This week began with the RACGP attacking community pharmacy over OTC codeine, calling on the ...

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Millennials misusing medicines

Megan Haggan — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 08:41:49 +0000

Aussies are taking too many analgesics and a third have mixed them with alcohol, new data from NPS MedicineWise shows Ahead of next week’s Be MedicineWise Week (August 21-27), NPS ...

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MedsASSIST and codeine: a snapshot

Megan Haggan — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 06:07:33 +0000

Survey data shows 93% of consumers support pharmacists supplying codeine without a prescription under strict conditions Following the results of a July survey into consumer attitudes towards the impending upscheduling ...

The post MedsASSIST and codeine: a snapshot appeared first on AJP.

Doctors fire salvo over codeine deaths

Megan Haggan — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 08:00:21 +0000

The PSA and Guild have expressed disappointment after an RACGP spokesperson said OTC codeine is “out of control” Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Bastian Seidel said in a ...

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Targeting pain

Sheshtyn Paola — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 18:00:45 +0000

Despite the downturn in the analgesics category, pharmacy’s trusted advice and proactive approach might just be the key to driving positive future growth According to Nielsen data, in the last ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 17:32:10 +0000

This week, all eyes have been on the King Review interim report, as stakeholders released their formal responses Most stakeholders, it’s fair to say, weren’t thrilled with the Interim Report ...

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Support for Guild low-dose codeine model

Megan Haggan — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 06:28:40 +0000

A majority of pharmacists support the Guild’s “prescription – except when” model for low-dose codeine, an AJP poll has found Following the TGA’s final decision to upschedule codeine-containing products which ...

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Doctor mag, Guild in codeine stoush

Megan Haggan — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 04:48:49 +0000

A story in Australian Doctor claims the Guild plans to ignore the schedule of codeine next year A Pharmacy Guild spokesperson has condemned the article, which claims the Guild is ...

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Poll: Prescription—except when codeine

Megan Haggan — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 07:18:05 +0000

What do you think of the proposed ‘Prescription—except when’ model for codeine? In the last couple of weeks, we’ve heard a lot from stakeholders about the Guild’s ‘Prescription – except ...

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World news wrapup: 27 July 2017

Megan Haggan — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 18:25:27 +0000

No lead-in period for codeine upschedule in France; Boots backs down on EC price; NZ synthetic cannabis deaths; homeopathy scripts scrapped in UK France: French Health Minister Agnès Buzyn has ...

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Harm minimisation forum at Pharmacy Connect

Megan Haggan — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 04:23:39 +0000

A pre-conference workshop at Pharmacy Connect will explore the issue of harm minimisation This workshop will provide the latest clinical information, research and treatment options for both OTC and prescription ...

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Guild pens open letter on codeine

Guest Author — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 21:29:31 +0000

Here is a list of ways the Pharmacy Guild has worked on the codeine issue, explains Executive Director David Quilty Dear AJP readers I must say that I find it ...

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The week in review

Megan Haggan — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 17:10:55 +0000

Debate over access to codeine has dominated this week’s news, which also saw positive developments for pharmacy Codeine has again been a hot topic this week, as the Guild outlined ...

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TGA guides pharmacists on codeine

Sheshtyn Paola — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 09:00:09 +0000

After releasing a fact sheet about codeine changes for consumers in April, the regulatory body has now released one aimed at pharmacists Pharmacist fact sheet: Talking to your patients about ...

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Doctors attack Guild codeine proposal

Megan Haggan — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 07:22:34 +0000

Outspoken pharmacy critic Dr Edwin Kruys has taken aim at the Guild over its proposed model for codeine Yesterday in Forefront, the Pharmacy Guild outlined its proposed “Prescription – except ...

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MedsASSIST use hasn’t dropped

Megan Haggan — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 04:51:53 +0000

Most pharmacies are still using MedsASSIST, an AJP poll has found As the deadline for the upscheduling of codeine-containing OTCs grows closer, AJP readers had warned that pharmacies might drop ...

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Negotiation or confrontation?

Chris Brooker — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 08:34:03 +0000

Guild strives to work for a new model for non-script codeine dispensing as profession takes the fight to pollies’ offices The Pharmacy Guild of Australia says it is working on ...

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Poll: Are you still using MedsASSIST?

Megan Haggan — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 08:00:38 +0000

It’s so valuable that the Health Minister intervened to save it… but are pharmacies still using MedsASSIST? The Guild planned to wind up MedsASSIST in March 2017, saying it would ...

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World news wrapup: 13 July 2017

Megan Haggan — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 18:30:36 +0000

30 years for killing New Jersey pharmacist; NZ keeps codeine status quo; fake Fentanyl in Ontario Trenton, New Jersey: A man who shot and killed a New Jersey pharmacist has ...

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Plan to stop misusers falling through cracks

Megan Haggan — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 07:27:51 +0000

People in eastern Melbourne will now have access to a new program aimed at addressing pharmaceutical misuse Pharmacists will have a key role in helping patients recover from misuse of ...

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Clinical tips: chronic pain

Karalyn Huxhagen — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 19:04:50 +0000

The looming upscheduling of codeine provides a reminder to consider how you handle chronic pain patients, writes Karalyn Huxhagen Management of chronic pain in pharmacy is evolving as the removal ...

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Pain: don’t focus on the product

Megan Haggan — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 06:00:15 +0000

New figures suggest a third of Australians suffer from chronic pain, and many don’t have an effective plan to manage it With the February 2018 upscheduling of codeine looming, many ...

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