For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
Contraception gets policy attention, but are the real barriers being ignored?
+Opinion
Contraception gets policy attention, but are the real barriers being ignored?
Thursday 10 April 2025, 01:44 PM

Cerazette funding, a review of abortion law, and Pharmac’s latest consultation highlight progress in women’s health – but inequities in access persist [Image: Jasmine on Unsplash]
Recent changes, including full funding for Cerazette and proposed IUCD supply reforms, are welcome but fall short of meeting the needs of wāhine, argues Orna McGinn
It has been a busy few weeks for women’s health. On 11 March, it was announced that the contraception pill, Cerazette, would finally be fully funded f
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
Not a subscriber? Unlock this article by subscribing here.
References
1. Framework for ensuring human rights in the provision of contraceptive information and services. World Health Organisation 2014. (At www.who.int)