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
Health NZ responds to discovery of methamphetamine contaminated lollies
Health NZ responds to discovery of methamphetamine contaminated lollies

Following confirmation by the Drug Foundation on Tuesday that some lollies in food parcels from Auckland City Mission contained methamphetamine, our staff have been contacting people who may have received a food parcel through one of our services.
Police are urging anyone who has received Rinda brand pineapple lollies in a food parcel to not consume them, secure them in a safe place, and contact police on 111 or 105, quoting the file number 240813/5919.
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora echoes this advice.
Alerts have been also distributed to our clinicians and the sector providing advice on people who may present with methamphetamine toxicity.
We have been reaching out to people who may have received the potentially contaminated lollies through some of our services. Thorough checking is underway to ensure that anyone who may have received a pack is contacted and appropriately supported and directed to Police.
People may present feeling unwell after eating a contaminated lolly. Symptoms might include chest pain, tachycardia, seizures, hyperthermia, delirium or loss of consciousness.
If you are concerned you may have consumed one of these lollies and are feeling unwell, go to your nearest healthcare provider urgently.
You can also call the national poison line on 0800 764 766.
Anyone needing urgent care should call 111 immediately.