Biofilms
Clinical Article
A biofilm can be defined as a layer of microorganisms adhering to a surface and each other in an aqueous environment. This microbial colony is able to attach to organic or inorganic surfaces by…
Read moreClinical Articles
HPS Pharmacies prides itself on providing innovative and informative support to assist in the diverse range of issues health professionals face on a day-to-day basis, and to facilitate the distribution of this information for a variety of sectors within the healthcare industry.
HPS’ clinical articles are written by HPS Pharmacies’ experienced and knowledgeable staff and are peer-reviewed by specialist leaders in their field to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. The resourceful and diverse range of articles play an integral role in keeping all health professionals up-to-date with the happenings throughout the industry on a regular basis.
Medications and Sun Exposure
Clinical Article
Around two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70 years of age. This makes sun safety an important public health message. The most recent National Sun…
Read more
Abatacept Therapy
Clinical Article
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the joints. Inflammation and joint damage occur which leads to pain and swelling. RA usually affects small joints of the hands, feet and wrists. However,…
Read more
Trifluridine / Tipiracil (Lonsurf®)
Clinical Article
Lonsurf® received Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing on 1st December 2018 for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in adult patients who have been treated previously with or are not candidates for currently available…
Read more
Deprescribing
Clinical Article
In my clinical practice, I often see elderly patients with at least two or three medication charts. These patients often take at least five to ten medications. Among these medications, there will often be…
Read more
Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia Management
Clinical Article
Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, occurs due to reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox virus). This virus remains in the dorsal root ganglion following primary infection with chickenpox. Almost one in three Australian…
Read moreJanuary 2019
Biofilms (Jan. 18 2019)
Medications and Sun Exposure (Jan. 04 2019)
December 2018
Abatacept Therapy (Dec. 21 2018)
Trifluridine / Tipiracil (Lonsurf®) (Dec. 07 2018)
November 2018
Deprescribing (Nov. 23 2018)
Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia Management (Nov. 08 2018)
October 2018
Electronic Health Records (Oct. 26 2018)
Management of Immunotherapy-induced Cytokine Release Syndrome (Oct. 12 2018)
September 2018
Chemistry and Medication (Sep. 28 2018)
Antifungal Prophylaxis in Haematology: A Review of the Guidelines (Sep. 14 2018)
August 2018
The Importance of Medicines Reconciliation and the Medication Management Plan (Aug. 31 2018)
Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse (Aug. 17 2018)
Oral Mesalazine Formulations (Aug. 03 2018)
July 2018
Tumour Lysis Syndrome: An Oncological Emergency (Jul. 20 2018)
StrataXRT® in Radiation-induced Skin Reactions (Jul. 06 2018)
June 2018
Medication Use in Paediatric Populations (Jun. 22 2018)
Capsule Confusion: Pills That Should Not Be Swallowed (Jun. 08 2018)
May 2018
Hereditary Angioedema (May. 25 2018)
A Comparison of Antiemetics Used in Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) (May. 16 2018)
April 2018
Reducing HIV Transmission (Apr. 27 2018)
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (Apr. 13 2018)
March 2018
Management of Breakthrough Seizures (Mar. 29 2018)
Update for the 2018 Influenza Season (Mar. 16 2018)
Osteomyelitis (Mar. 02 2018)
February 2018
Antihypertensives in Review (Feb. 16 2018)
Contact Dermatitis (Feb. 02 2018)
January 2018
Lonsurf® (Jan. 19 2018)
Improved Protection Against Human Papillomavirus (Jan. 05 2018)
December 2017
2017 Revised Classification of Seizures (Dec. 22 2017)
Osteoporosis Management: New Emerging Side Effects (Dec. 07 2017)
November 2017
Iron Deficiency Anaemia (Nov. 23 2017)
A Literature Review of the Safety and Efficacy of New Oral Anticoagulants (Nov. 09 2017)
October 2017
September 2017
Vortioxetine (Brintellix®) (Sep. 28 2017)
Suvorexant (Belsomra®) (Sep. 14 2017)
August 2017
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Menopause (Aug. 31 2017)
How to Take a Best Possible Medication History (Aug. 17 2017)
Treatment of Insomnia (Aug. 03 2017)
July 2017
International Harmonisation of Ingredient Names (Jul. 20 2017)
Causes of Global Medicines Shortage (Jul. 06 2017)
June 2017
Biosimilar Infliximab (Jun. 22 2017)
Splitting Tablets – Is It Safe? (Jun. 08 2017)
May 2017
Combination Eye Drop to Control Intraocular Pressure (May. 26 2017)
Bydureon® (exenatide) (May. 11 2017)
April 2017
Management of Psoriasis (Apr. 27 2017)
Grains: Friends or Foes? (Apr. 12 2017)
March 2017
Antimicrobial Stewardship and Antibiotic Awareness Week at The Mater Hospital (Mar. 30 2017)
Clostridium Difficile Infections (Mar. 16 2017)
Updates to Medicinal Cannabis Legislation (Mar. 02 2017)
February 2017
Milnacipran Hydrochloride for Fibromyalgia (Feb. 16 2017)
Topical Corticosteroids (Feb. 02 2017)
January 2017
Managing Asthma During Pregnancy and Lactation (Jan. 19 2017)
Symbicort Preparations: Are They the Same? (Jan. 05 2017)
December 2016
Pharmacological treatment of clozapine-induced sialorrhoea (Dec. 22 2016)
Classifying Medications in Pregnancy (Dec. 08 2016)
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
Prevention of a Rare and Devastating Brain Infection (Sep. 29 2016)
Colchicine for Constipation (Sep. 15 2016)
The Confusion with ‘Sulfur allergy’ (Sep. 01 2016)
August 2016
Inhaler Devices in the Treatment of COPD and Asthma (Aug. 18 2016)
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (Aug. 04 2016)
July 2016
Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (Jul. 21 2016)
Adverse Drug Reactions (Jul. 07 2016)
June 2016
Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Clozapine (Jun. 23 2016)
Hepatitis C Medications (Jun. 10 2016)
May 2016
To Quit or not to Quit (May. 26 2016)
Herbs and Liver Enzymes (May. 12 2016)
April 2016
Infective Endocarditis (Apr. 28 2016)
Febuxostat in chronic gout (Apr. 14 2016)
March 2016
Olanzapine Depot and Post-Injection Syndrome (Mar. 31 2016)
Influenza: Vaccination Information for 2016 (Mar. 18 2016)
Infectious Conjunctivitis (Mar. 03 2016)
February 2016
Proton Pump Inhibitors and the Elderly – What are the Risks? (Feb. 18 2016)
Fidaxomicin (Dificid®): a new class of antibiotics (Feb. 05 2016)
January 2016
Medicinal Cannabis and Legislative Changes (Jan. 21 2016)
Overview of Oral Anticoagulants (Jan. 07 2016)
December 2015
Common Eye Diseases of the Elderly (Dec. 23 2015)
The Role of Magnesium in Our Daily Lives (Dec. 10 2015)
November 2015
A Post-Antimicrobial Era (Nov. 26 2015)
Stepped Approach in Asthma Management (Nov. 12 2015)
October 2015
September 2015
Increased Access to HIV Medications in the Community (Sep. 17 2015)
The Evolution of Biologicals: From Cow Pus To Reverse Aging (Sep. 03 2015)
August 2015
Orthostatic Hypotension In The Elderly (Aug. 25 2015)
Overcoming the Challenges of Opioid Allergies (Aug. 13 2015)
Anticholinergic Drug Burden (Aug. 06 2015)
July 2015
Treatment and Prevention of Mucositis Secondary to Cancer Treatment (Jul. 23 2015)
Hypertension Targets for Diabetes Mellitus Patients (Jul. 09 2015)
June 2015
Bell’s Palsy (Jun. 25 2015)
In A PINCH(S) (Jun. 11 2015)
May 2015
Anticoagulants – A Nurse’s Perspective (May. 28 2015)
Poor Literacy is a Health Hazard (May. 14 2015)
April 2015
The Long & Winding Road of Anti-inflammatories (Apr. 30 2015)
Using bioCSL Fluvax® Safely (Apr. 16 2015)
Serotonin Syndrome (Apr. 01 2015)
March 2015
Managing Motor Complications in Late Stage Parkinson’s Disease (Mar. 24 2015)
Fish Oil or Snake Oil? (Mar. 19 2015)
Drug Safety: The Effect on Drug Metabolism (Mar. 17 2015)
Medication Safety and NSQHS Standards (Mar. 11 2015)
Amiodarone Pneumonitis (Mar. 05 2015)
The Stigma of Mental Illness (Mar. 01 2015)
February 2015
Restless Legs Syndrome (Feb. 19 2015)
Tumour Profiling: Way of the Future? (Feb. 05 2015)
January 2015
Medicines Use in Breastfeeding (Jan. 22 2015)
Digoxin Toxicity (Jan. 20 2015)
Cetuximab: Management and Prevention of Cutaneous Side Effects (Jan. 18 2015)
Thalidomide and Newer Analogues for Multiple Myeloma (Jan. 08 2015)
December 2014
Pharmaceutical Sciences Beyond 2020 (Dec. 16 2014)
Febrile Neutropenia (Dec. 11 2014)
Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients (Dec. 09 2014)
Medicine Names – Sense or Sensibility? (Dec. 07 2014)
November 2014
Tramadol Mixture (Nov. 27 2014)
Symptoms & Syndromes: Acquired Syphilis (Nov. 25 2014)
October 2014
Pharmacists May Be Better Utilised (Oct. 30 2014)
Bowel Cancer Screening (Oct. 16 2014)
Ipilimumab for Melanoma Treatment (Oct. 13 2014)
A New Interaction for an Anti-Emetic Favourite (Oct. 02 2014)
September 2014
Tranexamic Acid – The Results Keep Coming (Sep. 18 2014)
Mirabegron (Betmiga®) for Overactive Bladder (Sep. 04 2014)
August 2014
The Effectiveness of Chloramphenicol as Prophylaxis for Wound Infection after Minor Skin Surgery (Aug. 21 2014)
Hylo®-Fresh and Hylo-Forte® Eye Drops (Aug. 07 2014)
Medicines in Breastfeeding (Aug. 05 2014)
July 2014
Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Management (Jul. 30 2014)
Levodopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel (Duodopa®) for the Treatment of Advanced Parkinson’s Disease (Jul. 25 2014)
Update on Treatments for Macular Degeneration (Jul. 22 2014)
Olanzapine and its Formulations (Jul. 10 2014)
June 2014
Ferric Carboxymaltose (Ferinject®) (Jun. 26 2014)
Community-acquired Pneumonia: Antibiotic Stewardship (Jun. 19 2014)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments (Jun. 19 2014)
Medications used in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Jun. 12 2014)
May 2014
Novel Drug for the Treatment of Hyponatraemia – Tolvaptan (May. 29 2014)
How Will The 2014 Budget Impact Healthcare? (May. 15 2014)
Antibiotic Profile: Ciprofloxacin (May. 01 2014)
April 2014
Maximising Moxifloxacin (Apr. 17 2014)
Management of Warfarin Bleeds (Apr. 03 2014)
March 2014
Safety Issues of Fentanyl Patches (Mar. 30 2014)
Valdoxan (agomelatine) (Mar. 20 2014)
International Pharmacy: A Traveller’s Perspective (Mar. 06 2014)
Medication Reconciliation and the NSQHS Standards (Mar. 06 2014)
HPS Leads the Industry with Tall Man Lettering (Mar. 06 2014)
Symptoms & Syndromes: Potassium, Plasma and Drugs (Mar. 04 2014)
Abiraterone (Zytiga®) for Prostate Cancer (Mar. 03 2014)
Drug Dosing in Obesity (Mar. 03 2014)
February 2014
January 2014
Thyroxine Drug Interactions (Jan. 23 2014)
Anaphylaxis (Jan. 12 2014)
December 2013
Antimicrobial Stewardship – The Next Step (Dec. 29 2013)
Targin (Dec. 25 2013)
Using N-acetylcysteine in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorders (Dec. 22 2013)
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (Dec. 22 2013)
Management of Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (Dec. 22 2013)
N-acetylcysteine and the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (Dec. 22 2013)
Bevacizumab (Avastin) (Dec. 22 2013)
Ipilimumab: A Novel Treatment for Melanoma (Dec. 12 2013)
November 2013
MedsCheck in Hospitals (Nov. 28 2013)
Antibiotic Awareness Week (Nov. 14 2013)
October 2013
CKD, eGFR and Cockcroft-Gault (Oct. 31 2013)
Hospital Admission and Abrupt Smoking Cessation (Oct. 17 2013)
Sulfur Allergies (Oct. 03 2013)
September 2013
New Government, New Promises (Sep. 19 2013)
Symptoms & Syndromes: Refresher of Thyroid Disorders (Sep. 19 2013)
Linagliptin – An Incretin-Based Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Sep. 18 2013)
Rifaximin in Hepatic Encephalopathy (Sep. 18 2013)
Dapagliflozin – A Novel Way to Control Blood Glucose (Sep. 18 2013)
Vaccination Trends in Australia (Sep. 18 2013)
Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (Sep. 18 2013)
Getting High: An Update In Altitude Medicine (Sep. 05 2013)
August 2013
Pharmacy Caught in the Crossfire (Aug. 22 2013)
Dabigatran (Pradaxa) – an Overview (Aug. 08 2013)
July 2013
An Aspect of Mental Illness (Jul. 25 2013)
Dry Eye Syndrome (Jul. 11 2013)
Symptoms & Syndromes: An Update on Crohn’s Disease (Jul. 02 2013)
June 2013
A World Without Antibiotics (Jun. 30 2013)
From Compliance to Adherence to Concordance (Jun. 30 2013)
Drugs, Prolonged QT Interval and Torsades de Pointes (Jun. 30 2013)
Perioperative Anticoagulation (Jun. 30 2013)
Symptoms & Syndromes: Heart Failure (Jun. 28 2013)
The Triple Whammy (Jun. 13 2013)
May 2013
Antidepressants General Overview (May. 30 2013)
Warfarin Education Review (May. 15 2013)
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: New focus on individualising Glycaemic targets (May. 01 2013)
April 2013
March 2013
ACE and ARB Combination (Mar. 20 2013)
February 2013
Symptoms & Syndromes: Opioid Conversions (Feb. 22 2013)
Pharmacological Prophylaxis of Opioid Induced Constipation (Feb. 21 2013)
PBS Safety Net: How it Benefits Patients and Hospitals (Feb. 21 2013)
Regulation of Medicines in Australia (Feb. 21 2013)
Role of Complementary Medicines in Hospital Pharmacy (Feb. 21 2013)
Gentamicin Dosing and Monitoring (Feb. 21 2013)
Smoking and Antipsychotics: Drug Interactions (Feb. 21 2013)
December 2012
Symptoms & Syndromes: New Treatments for Hepatitis C (Dec. 11 2012)
The Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs (Dec. 10 2012)
IV to Oral Switch Therapy (Dec. 10 2012)
Ixabepilone in Metastatic Breast Cancer (Dec. 09 2012)
Aseptic and Cytotoxic Training Program at Peter Mac (Dec. 09 2012)
Amoxycillin Challenge (Dec. 09 2012)