Accurate, balanced evidence-based information about medicines
What's new for health professionals from NPS What's new for health professionals from NPS
Keep up to date with what's new in the Health Professionals section of our website. To keep up to date with everything new at NPS, go to What's new at NPS
2010-08-01 00:00:00
NPS RADAR August 2010
(NPS RADAR>Full Issue>Health Professional Publication)
NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.
2010-08-01 00:00:00
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (‘gliptins’) for type 2 diabetes mellitus
(NPS RADAR>Review>Health Professional Publication)
Gliptins improve glycaemic control in combination with metformin or a sulfonylurea, but their effect on diabetes-related complications and mortality is unknown.
2010-08-01 00:00:00
Adrenaline autoinjector (Anapen) for acute allergic anaphylaxis
(NPS RADAR>Review>Health Professional Publication)
Information about Anapen, a new adrenaline autoinjector for the emergency treatment of acute allergic anaphylaxis.
2010-08-12 00:00:00
DUE (drug use evaluation) for aged care facilities
(Kit - DUE for Aged Care Facilities)
Information about the NPS drug use evaluation programs for improved patient outcomes in aged care facilities.
2010-06-25 00:00:00
Guide to medicines information resources
(Web page)
Medicine resources for health professionals
2010-06-25 00:00:00
Online Learning
(Web page)
Links to online training modules, created or funded by NPS, for health professional students and junior practitioners. Includes inpatient chart training and National Prescribing Curriculum.
2010-06-24 00:00:00
About Clinical Audit: Opioid analgesics
(Web page)
This clinical audit provides GPs with the opportunity to review the optimal use of opioid-containing analgesics in chronic pain
2010-06-16 00:00:00
NPS Prescribing Practice Review 51:Opioids in chronic non-cancer pain: use a planned approach
(Prescribing Practice Review - Health Professional Publication)
Information on using a planned approach when prescribing opioids for use in chronic non-cancer pain.
2010-06-01 00:00:00
NPS News 69: A planned approach to prescribing opioids
(NPS News - Health Professional Publication)
Opioids (opiates) have a role as analgesics for chronic pain; however their long-term benefits and harms in this context are not well understood.
2010-05-24 00:00:00
NPS drug and therapeutic topics
(Web page)
Get independent, accurate, evidence-based info from NPS on drug & therapeutic topics. For doctors, pharmacists & other health professionals.
2010-05-14 00:00:00
NPS RADAR May 2010
(NPS RADAR>Full Issue>Health Professional Publication)
NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.
2010-05-14 00:00:00
Colchicine for acute gout: updated information about dosing and drug interactions
(NPS RADAR>Brief Item>Health Professional Publication)
Updated information about dosing and drug interactions with colchicine for acute gout.
2010-05-14 00:00:00
Methoxyflurane (Penthrox) for analgesia (doctor’s bag listing)
(NPS RADAR>Review>Health Professional Publication)
Methoxyflurane (Penthrox) 3 mL listed for emergency treatment supply (doctor’s bag) only (1 inhaler and methoxyflurane 1 x 3 mL)
2010-05-14 00:00:00
Melatonin prolonged-release tablets (Circadin) for primary insomnia in older people
(NPS RADAR>Review>Health Professional Publication)
Prolonged-release melatonin may be used short-term to improve quality of sleep in people with primary insomnia aged ≥ 55 years.
2010-05-10 00:00:00
About Pharmacy Practice Review: Opioid analgesics
(Web page)
This pharmacy practice review provides pharmacists with the opportunity to review the optimal use of opioid-containing analgesics in chronic pain
2010-05-01 00:00:00
NPS Prescribing Practice Review 50: Smoking cessation and managing stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(Prescribing Practice Review - Health Professional Publication)
Most smokers who are considering quitting — and 40% say they think about it at least once a day — name health as the reason. The health reasons are particularly compelling for smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), given that nothing else slows the progression of airflow limitation to the same degree as quitting. Advice and encouragement from health professionals has assisted many people to give up smoking.
2010-04-30 00:00:00
DUE of hypnotic medicines for the management of insomnia in aged care facilities
(Kit - DUE for Aged Care Facilities)
Information and login for the DUE of hypnotic medicines for the management of insomnia in aged care facilities
2010-04-23 00:00:00
Strontium ranelate (Protos) for postmenopausal osteoporosis
(NPS RADAR>Web Only Item>Health Professional Publication)
New information relevant to this topic has become available since this RADAR review was published in November 2007.
2010-04-19 00:00:00
About Clinical audit: Management of stable COPD and smoking cessation
(Web page)
This clinical audit provides GPs with the opportunity to review their management of patients prescribed diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, preferably who are current smokers.
2010-04-01 00:00:00
NPS News 68: Helping smokers quit
(NPS News - Health Professional Publication)
Of the 1 in 5 Australians who smoke, about two-thirds are currently considering quitting.
2010-03-30 00:00:00
NPS Prescribing Practice Review 49: Management options for improving sleep
(Prescribing Practice Review - Health Professional Publication)
Hypnotic medicines were prescribed for 95 per 100 insomnia problems encountered in general practice between 2006–08. Benzodiazepines and other related drugs can be avoided by using non-drug therapies.
2010-03-03 00:00:00
NPS Diagnostics initiative
(Web page)
NPS's Diagnostics initiative builds on our expertise to improve utilisation of diagnostic tests and enable people to make the best decisions for better health outcomes.
2010-02-26 00:00:00
NPS clinical audits for GPs
(Activity - Clinical Audit)
ENROL ONLINE NOW! Full listing of all NPS clinical audits, what they are, and eligibility for CPD points and incentives.
2010-02-01 00:00:00
NPS News 67: Addressing hypnotic medicines use in primary care
(NPS News - Health Professional Publication)
A benzodiazepine, zolpidem or zolpiclone are often inapproriately used to treat insomnia.
2009-12-18 00:00:00
Quinine: Poor efficacy in muscle cramps outweighed by risks of harm
(Factsheet - Health Professional)
Quinine: Poor efficacy in muscle cramps outweighed by risks of harm
2009-12-17 00:00:00
Case study 60: Report — Managing anxiety disorders
(Activity - Case Study Report)
John is a 52-year-old accountant who presents to you complaining of lack of sleep and poor appetite. He also complains of trouble concentrating, decreased energy and has been feeling anxious for about 8 weeks now.
2009-12-11 00:00:00
ERRATUM - NPS News 54: Hormonal contraceptives: tailoring for the individual
(NPS News - Health Professional Publication)
Explores the range of hormonal contraceptives currently available in Australia and factors to consider when prescribing, including missed pills, adverse effects, and non-oral dosage forms.
2009-12-01 00:00:00
NPS RADAR December 2009
(NPS RADAR>Full Issue>Health Professional Publication)
NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.
2009-12-01 00:00:00
NPS News 66: Managing urinary incontinence
(NPS News - Health Professional Publication)
Urinary incontinence is common, but underreported. Health professionals can identify and manage incontinence in primary care, but what is the evidence for physical, behavioural and anticholinergic therapies?
2009-12-01 00:00:00
Prasugrel (Effient) for acute coronary syndrome in people undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
(NPS RADAR>Review>Health Professional Publication)
Prasugrel is an alternative to clopidogrel for acute coronary syndrome managed by percutaneous coronary intervention in combination with aspirin.
2009-11-03 00:00:00
Authority listing for ciprofloxacin ear drops extended
(NPS RADAR>Brief Item>Health Professional Publication)
Extension of authority listing for ciprofloxacin ear drops (Ciloxan), 1 November 2009
2009-11-01 00:00:00
NPS Prescribing Practice Review 48: Anxiety disorders
(Prescribing Practice Review - Health Professional Publication)
Up to 1 in 5 people presenting to primary care will experience symptoms of an anxiety disorder at some point in their life. Contains information on the limited role of antidepressants for children and adolescents with anxiety.
2009-10-28 00:00:00
Articles on pain management drugs from NPS RADAR
(Topic Overview)
Get independent, accurate, evidence-based info on pain management drugs. Written for doctors, pharmacists & other health professionals.
2009-10-28 00:00:00
Articles on palliative care drugs from NPS RADAR
(Topic Overview)
Get independent, accurate, evidence-based info on palliative care drugs. Written for doctors, pharmacists & other health professionals.
2009-10-21 00:00:00
Case study 59: Report - Optimising quality of life during menopause
(Activity - Case Study Report)
Johara, 50, presents complaining of hot flushes with sweating 2–3 times a day over the last year. Her sleep has been disturbed, and her menstrual cycle irregular for 12 months. She wonders if complementary medicines or hormone replacement therapy might help but is concerned about the safety of their use.
2009-10-06 00:00:00
Products and regimens for hormone replacement therapy
(NPS News - Health Professional Publication)
Overview of the products and regimens for hormone replacement therapies for managing menopausal symptoms
2009-10-01 00:00:00
NPS News 65: Which treatment for what anxiety disorder?
(NPS News - Health Professional Publication)
Up to 1 in 5 people presenting to primary care will experience symptoms of an anxiety disorder at some point in their life.
2009-09-28 00:00:00
Palliative care
(Topic Overview)
Accurate, balanced, evidence-based information, resources and educational activities on analgesics and palliative care for pain. Information for health professionals.
2009-09-24 00:00:00
About Clinical e-Audit: Review of PPI prescribing
(Web page)
The latest clinical e-audit for GPs on the review of PPI prescribing is now available. This clinical audit will assist GPs to review management of patients using PPIs, identify and implement a step-down strategy for suitable patients and review concurrent use of drugs that may induce or exacerbate dyspepsia/ulceration.
2009-09-21 00:00:00
National Prescribing Curriculum virtual tour
(Presentation)
3 minute 20 second overview of National Prescribing Service's National Prescribing Curriculum
2009-09-01 00:00:00
NPS Prescribing Practice Review 47: Managing menopausal symptoms
(Prescribing Practice Review - Health Professional Publication)
Information on the benefits and risks associated with the management of menopausal symptoms, advice on choosing an appropriate regimen and how to manage adverse effects.
2009-09-01 00:00:00
Case study 58: Report - Antibiotics and respiratory tract illness – thinking of patient-centred care
(Activity - Case Study Report)
Brenda is a 25-year-old marketing executive. She presents today worried about her cough and hoarse voice as she has to give a presentation to her company board next week.
2009-08-01 00:00:00
Teriparatide (Forteo) for severe osteoporosis
(NPS RADAR>Review>Health Professional Publication)
Information on use of teriparatide (Forteo) for severe osteoporosis
2009-08-01 00:00:00
NPS RADAR August 2009
(NPS RADAR>Full Issue>Health Professional Publication)
NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.
2009-08-01 00:00:00
NPS News 64: Therapeutic choices for menopausal symptoms
(NPS News - Health Professional Publication)
Therapeutic choices for menopausal symptoms including the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy.
2009-08-01 00:00:00
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) for preventing venous thromboembolism after hip or knee replacement surgery
(NPS RADAR>Review>Health Professional Publication)
Information about use of Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) for preventing venous thromboembolism after hip or knee replacement surgery
2009-06-30 00:00:00
About Clinical audit: Management of specific respiratory tract infections
(Web page)
The latest clinical audit for GPs on the use of antibiotics for specific respiratory tract infections is now available. This clinical audit is an opportunity to: become familiar with the clinical features suggestive of a bacterial respiratory tract infection where an antibiotic may be indicated, and review antibiotic choice, and the dose, frequency and duration prescribed for common respiratory tract infections.
2009-06-01 00:00:00
Case study 58: Antibiotics and respiratory tract illness – thinking of patient-centred care
(Activity - Case Study)
Brenda is a 25-year-old marketing executive. She presents today worried about her cough and hoarse voice as she has to give a presentation to her company board next week.
2009-05-11 00:00:00
About Clinical audit: Review of PPI prescribing
(Web page)
The latest clinical audit for GPs on the review of PPI prescribing is now available. This clinical audit will assist GPs to review management of patients using PPIs, identify and implement a step-down strategy for suitable patients and review concurrent use of drugs that may induce or exacerbate dyspepsia/ulceration.
2009-05-01 00:00:00
NPS RADAR May 2009
(NPS RADAR>Full Issue>Health Professional Publication)
NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.
2009-05-01 00:00:00
Hydromorphone prolonged-release tablets (Jurnista) for chronic severe disabling pain
(NPS RADAR>Brief Item>Health Professional Publication)
Information on use of hydromorphone prolonged-release tablets (Jurnista) for chronic severe disabling pain
2009-05-01 00:00:00
Lanthanum (Fosrenol) tablets for adults with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis
(NPS RADAR>Brief Item>Health Professional Publication)
Information on use of lanthanum (Fosrenol) tablets for adults with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis
2009-04-03 00:00:00
Prescribing Data in General Practice Demonstration Project
(Web page)
The Prescribing Data in General Practice Demonstration Project is being run jointly with the Australian General Practice Network
2009-04-02 00:00:00
Proton pump inhibitors: appropriate and safe use
(Activity - Case Study)
Mr Lee is a 60-year-old who has just finished his last omeprazole tablet. He originally presented complaining of an intermittent burning sensation in the epigastric region of his abdomen.
2009-04-01 00:00:00
NPS RADAR April 2009
(NPS RADAR>Full Issue>Health Professional Publication)
NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.
2009-04-01 00:00:00
Pramipexole (Sifrol) for severe primary restless legs syndrome
(NPS RADAR>Review>Health Professional Publication)
Information on use of pramipexole (Sifrol) for severe primary restless legs syndrome
2009-04-01 00:00:00
Sublingual desmopressin PBS listed — where does desmopressin fit in primary nocturnal enuresis?
(NPS RADAR>Brief Item>Health Professional Publication)
Use of desmopressin for primary nocturnal enuresis — sublingual formulation PBS listed
2009-04-01 00:00:00
Ziprasidone (Zeldox): another atypical antipsychotic listed for acute mania in bipolar disorder
(NPS RADAR>Brief Item>Health Professional Publication)
Information on use of ziprasidone (Zeldox): another atypical antipsychotic listed for acute mania in bipolar disorder
2009-03-12 00:00:00
Cardiovascular risk calculator
(Tool - Health Professional)
A tool to help health professionals assess a patient’s cardiovascular risk and treatment benefit.
2009-03-10 00:00:00
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) for major depressive disorder
(NPS RADAR>Review>Health Professional Publication)
Information about use of desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) for major depressive disorder
2009-03-10 00:00:00
Valsartan (Diovan) and combinations with hydrochlorothiazide (Co-Diovan) or amlodipine (Exforge)
(NPS RADAR>Review>Health Professional Publication)
Information about use of valsartan (Diovan) and combinations with hydrochlorothiazide (Co-Diovan) or amlodipine (Exforge) in hypertension
2009-03-03 00:00:00
Clopidogrel (Iscover, Plavix) PBS listing extended to include acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in combination with aspirin
(NPS RADAR>Brief Item>Health Professional Publication)
Clopidogrel (Iscover, Plavix) PBS listing extended to include acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in combination with aspirin
2009-02-10 00:00:00
Risedronate (Actonel and Actonel Once-a-Week) for corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis
(NPS RADAR>Brief Item>Health Professional Publication)
Information about use of risedronate (Actonel and Actonel Once-a-Week) for corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis
2008-12-01 00:00:00
New York Heart Association grading of heart failure (NYHA)
(NPS RADAR>Web Only Item>Health Professional Publication)
Provides New York Heart Association grading of heart failure (NYHA) as additional content to rosiglitazone use for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
2008-12-01 00:00:00
Quetiapine extended-release tablets (Seroquel XR) PBS listed for schizophrenia
(NPS RADAR>Brief Item>Health Professional Publication)
Information about use of Quetiapine extended-release tablets (Seroquel XR) for schizophrenia
2008-10-01 00:00:00
NPS News 60: Navigating the maze of drug therapy for neuropathic pain
(NPS News - Health Professional Publication)
Managing neuropathic pain is challenging whatever the cause. Only half of those treated with drug therapy gain partial pain relief. Prescribers are faced with an array of drugs with varying efficacy and often troublesome adverse effects.
2006-10-01 00:00:00
NPS News 48: Helping patients achieve remission of rheumatoid arthritis
(NPS News - Health Professional Publication)
Monitoring disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and the role of primary care practitioners in early referral for treatment.
