http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publicationsAll health professional publicationsNPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2012/january_2012Information about Apixaban (Eliquis), listed on the PBS from 1 January 2012 for preventing venous thromboembolism after hip or knee replacement surgery.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2012/january_2012/brief_item_apixabanThis issue of Nurse Update talks about NPS's support of the TGA cancelling 4 pain relief medicines, issues relating to taking medicines during pregnancy, resources to help patients decide between different medicine brands and the new features to NPS's awarding winning Medicines List iPhone apphttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nurse_update/updates/jan_2012Information about oxycodone-with-naloxone controlled-release (CR) tablets (Targin) for chronic severe pain. The tablets provide equivalent analgesia to that of oxycodone CR tablets, with reduced opioid-induced constipation.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2011/december_2011/oxycodone_with_naloxoneInformation about asenapine sublingual wafers (Saphris) for schizophrenia and acute and maintenance treatment of manic and mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder. Asenapine has a similar spectrum of benefits and harms to that of other antipsychotics.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2011/december_2011/asenapineNPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2011/december_2011Considers some of the issues around generic medicines and brand substitution, and how health professionals can help consumers use generic medicines safely and appropriately.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/generic_medicines_informing_patientsTicagrelor (Brilinta) and aspirin reduces the incidence of vascular deaths and myocardial infarctions more than clopidogrel and aspirin, but this must be weighed against an increased risk of adverse events.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2011/december_2011/ticagrelorInformation on indacaterol as a once-daily, maintenance bronchodilator treatment of airflow limitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2011/december_2011/indacaterolOur digital newsletter contains news and updates about NPS online learning resources available to health professionals and students. It informs and inspires academics, providing opportunities to incorporate free NPS online learning resources in their curriculum.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/e-learning/issues/e-learning_november_2011Improving treatment of patients with systolic heart failure — Independent review of new stroke prevention medicine — Taking caution with codeine — Complementary medicines as companion products: what’s the evidence? — National Medicines Symposium 2012http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nurse_update/updates/nov_2011NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2011/november_2011Information on diagnosing heart failure and managing associated risk factors, along with the use of ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta-blockers and non-drug interventions as treatment.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/prescribing_practice_review/current/heart_failureOutlines ways to improve treatment of systolic heart failure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and heart failure specific beta blockers can reduce morbidity and mortality in people with systolic heart failure.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/improving_treatment_of_systolic_heart_failureOutlines ways to detect those at risk of osteoporotic fracture, and interventions to reduce the risk of new or further fractures. Building healthy bones and fracture prevention are key to managing osteoporosis.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/reducing_fracture_risk_in_osteoporosisNPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2011/september_2011Reviews ways to achieve the best balance of clinical benefits and adverse effects for those with a psychotic illness or behavioural symptoms of dementiahttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/prescribing_practice_review/current/balancing_benefits_harms_of_antipsychotic_therapyThis NPS News discusses ways to achieve the most favourable balance of clinical benefits and adverse effects for people with a psychotic illness or behavioural symptoms of dementia.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/balancing_benefits_harms_of_antipsychotic_therapyNPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2011/august_2011NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2011/july_2011Provides info on preventing osteoporosis fractures, building healthy bones and identifying fracture risk by multiple interventions to the most at risk.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/prescribing_practice_review/current/prescribing_practice_review_54NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2011/june_2011Provides information on who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency, when vitamin D testing is of value and appropriate supplementation in those identified as being deficienthttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/vitaminDNPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2011/april_2011Reviews early assessment of cardiovascular risk and consideration of who would benefit from a lipid-lowering drug together with lifestyle changeshttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/prescribing_practice_review/current/prescribing_practice_review_53Outlines tools for identifying people at increased cardiovascular risk and strategies to help people stay on effective treatment. Many could benefit from a lipid-modifying drug but are not being treated.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/lipidsNPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2011/february_2011Information about denosumab, a new biological agent for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/december_2010/denosumabPBS listings for quetiapine (Seroquel and Seroquel XR) bipolar disorder expanded 1 December 2010http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/december_2010/brief_item_quetiapineMethoxyflurane (Penthrox) article updatedhttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/december_2010/brief_item_methoxyfluraneNPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/december_2010Exenatide byetta solution for injection 5 micrograms; exenatide byetta solution for injection 10 microgramshttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/november_2010/exenatideMethoxyflurane (Penthrox) 3 mL listed for emergency treatment supply (doctor’s bag) only (1 inhaler and methoxyflurane 1 x 3 mL)http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/may_2010/methoxyfluraneRestricted PBS listing for olmesartan with amlodipine (Sevikar), and valsartan with amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide (Exforge HCT) effective 1 November 2010.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/november_2010/brief_item_combination_antihypertensivesTreatment now subsidised on the PBS for people receiving long-term high-dose corticosteroid therapy who have low bone mineral density.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/november_2010/brief_item_alendronateNPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/november_2010NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/october_2010Discusses causes, investigation and management of iron deficiency anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia affects people of all ages in the developed and developing world.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/iron_anaemiaEletriptan (Relpax) and other triptans for migrainehttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/october_2010/brief_item_eletriptanReviews need to assess cardiovascular risk even in uncomplicated hypetension. Importance of using lifestyle change. Some cases may only need 1 medicine.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/prescribing_practice_review/current/prescribing_practice_review_52NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/august_2010Information on planning approaches when prescribing opioids for chronic non-cancer pain. Need to determine appropriate level non-invasive investigationhttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/prescribing_practice_review/current/prescribing_practice_review_51Outlines strategies for using opioids (e.g. morphine, codeine, etc) in chronic non-cancer pain. The long-term benefits and harms of opioids are not well understood.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/nps_news_69NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/may_2010Updated information about dosing and drug interactions with colchicine for acute gout.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/may_2010/brief_item_colchicineProlonged-release melatonin may be used short-term to improve quality of sleep in people with primary insomnia aged ≥ 55 years.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2010/may_2010/melatoninOverview of advice from health professionals to help people give up smoking. Quitting smoking can sustain airways in those with COPD or asthmahttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/prescribing_practice_review/current/prescribing_practice_review_50New information relevant to this topic has become available since this RADAR review was published in November 2007.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2007/november_2007/strontium/additional_information_since_publicationOutlines quit smoking strategies and role of nicotine replacement and Champix. Discusses COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and its diagnosis.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/nps_news_68Discusses how to avoid benzodiazepines and related drugs, use of non-drug therapies for patients with sleep problems, and how to encourage withdrawalhttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/prescribing_practice_review/current/prescribing_practice_review_49Outlines the role of sedatives (e.g. benzodiazepines, zolpidem or zolpiclone) in treating insomnia, often they are not needed.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/nps_news_67Quinine: Poor efficacy in muscle cramps outweighed by risks of harmhttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/factsheets/factsheets/quinine_poor_efficacy_in_muscle_cramp_outweighed_by_risk_of_harm_HPExplores 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.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/hormonal_contraception_tailoring_for_the_individualOutlines how to identify and manage incontinence in primary care, and the evidence for physical, behavioural and anticholinergic therapies. Urinary incontinence is common, but underreported.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/nps_news_66_managing_urinary_incontinence_in_primary_careNPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/december_2009Prasugrel is an alternative to clopidogrel for acute coronary syndrome managed by percutaneous coronary intervention in combination with aspirin.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/december_2009/prasugrelExtension of authority listing for ciprofloxacin ear drops (Ciloxan), 1 November 2009http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/november_2009/brief_item_ciprofloxacinContains information on the limited role of antidepressants for children and adolescents with anxiety. Up to 1 in 5 people presenting to primary care will have symptoms of an anxiety disorder at some pointhttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/prescribing_practice_review/current/prescribing_practice_review_48Get independent, accurate, evidence-based info on pain management drugs. Written for doctors, pharmacists & other health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/view_radar_articles_by_topic/pain_managementGet independent, accurate, evidence-based info on palliative care drugs. Written for doctors, pharmacists & other health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/view_radar_articles_by_topic/palliative_careDiscusses general principles for managing anxiety disorders. Includes the role of psychological and drug therapies, with a focus on generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (or social phobia).http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/nps_news_65Advice on choosing appropriate HRT regimen and how to manage adverse effects. Benefits and risks associated with managing menopausal symptomshttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/prescribing_practice_review/current/nps_prescribing_practice_review_47Discusses type of HRT (hormone replacement therapy), when to use HRT and its alternatives, and reviews complementary therapies for menopausal symptoms.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/nps_news_64NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/august_2009Information on use of teriparatide (Forteo) for severe osteoporosishttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/may_2009/teriparatideInformation about use of Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) for preventing venous thromboembolism after hip or knee replacement surgeryhttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/august_2009/rivaroxabanInformation on use of lanthanum (Fosrenol) tablets for adults with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysishttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/may_2009/lanthanumInformation on use of hydromorphone prolonged-release tablets (Jurnista) for chronic severe disabling painhttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/may_2009/hydromorphoneNPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/may_2009NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/april_2009Information on use of ziprasidone (Zeldox): another atypical antipsychotic listed for acute mania in bipolar disorderhttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/april_2009/brief_item_ziprasidoneUse of desmopressin for primary nocturnal enuresis — sublingual formulation PBS listedhttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/april_2009/brief_item_desmopressinInformation on use of pramipexole (Sifrol) for severe primary restless legs syndromehttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/april_2009/pramipexoleInformation about use of desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) for major depressive disorderhttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/march_2009/desvenlafaxineInformation about use of valsartan (Diovan) and combinations with hydrochlorothiazide (Co-Diovan) or amlodipine (Exforge) in hypertensionhttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/march_2009/valsartanClopidogrel (Iscover, Plavix) PBS listing extended to include acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in combination with aspirinhttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/march_2009/brief_item_clopidogrelInformation about use of risedronate (Actonel and Actonel Once-a-Week) for corticosteroid-induced osteoporosishttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2009/march_2009/brief_item_risedronateInformation about use of Quetiapine extended-release tablets (Seroquel XR) for schizophreniahttp://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2008/december_2008/brief_item_quetiapine_xrProvides New York Heart Association grading of heart failure (NYHA) as additional content to rosiglitazone use for type 2 diabetes mellitus.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/2008/december_2008/rosiglitazone/rosiglitazone_webextra_1Focuses on different approaches to drug therapy for neuropathic pain conditions often seen in primary care: diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/nps_news_60Overview of monitoring disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) and the role of primary care practitioners in early referral for treatment.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_news/current/helping_patients_achieve_remission_of_rheumatoid_arthritisNPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_radar/month_year