http://www.nps.org.au/health_professionals/publications/nps_newsNPS NewsConsiders 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_patientsOutlines 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_osteoporosisThis 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_therapyProvides 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/vitaminDOutlines 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/lipidsDiscusses 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_anaemiaOutlines 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_69Outlines 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_68Outlines 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_67Explores 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_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_65Discusses 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_64Focuses 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_arthritis