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
New Zealand asthma guidelines support use of environmentally friendly inhalers
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In print
CLINICAL COMMENT
New Zealand asthma guidelines support use of environmentally friendly inhalers
Wednesday 7 October 2020, 12:10 AM

Switching to dry-powder inhalers is an excellent way to start minimising the environmental impacts of providing healthcare
It is reassuring to see that the new guidelines for asthma management in New Zealand should help both patients and the environment, although an increased awareness of the environmental impact of prescribing is essential
Dermot Coffey
Key points, Metered-dose inhalers contain hydrofluorocarbons, which are potent climate change gases; dry-powder inhalers have a much lower carbon footprint.
MDI, Pract Green w Pale Yellow
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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