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
Submissions extended for the Misuse of Drugs (Pseudoephedrine) Amendment Bill 2024
Submissions extended for the Misuse of Drugs (Pseudoephedrine) Amendment Bill 2024

The Chairperson of the Health Committee has re-opened for written submissions on the Misuse of Drugs (Pseudoephedrine) Amendment Bill. Please note that only written submissions are being called for at this time.
The purpose of the bill is to change the classification of pseudoephedrine as a controlled drug. The proposed amendment would allow for the sale of cold and flu medication containing pseudoephedrine in pharmacies without a prescription.
Under this legislation pseudoephedrine would be reclassified from a Class B2 to a Class C3 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. The different classes of controlled drugs are described in regulation 25(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Regulation 1977.
Tell the Health Committee what you think
Make a submission on the bill, via Parliament’s website, by 12pm on Friday 1 March 2024.