Cytochrome P450 interactions :: Debbie Rigby : 26/8/2010 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Explain the mechanism of action of clopidogrel-PPI interaction
- Assess the risks and benefits of PPI use with clopidogrel
- Identify patients at high risk of adverse cardiovascular events due to the interaction
- Advise prescribers and patients on how to manage concomitant use of clopidogrel and a PPI
- Appraise drug interaction resources specific to CYP interactions.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX100003n.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to accredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 27 :: Chris Alderman : 12/8/2010 :
Welcome to Issue No 27 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest.
Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Understand the clinical implication of abnormal bleeding associated with SSRIs
- Describe clinical factors that relevant to benzodiazepine use in the elderly
- Identify clinical relating to the management of central post-stroke pain
- List the caffeine content of various food and drinks commonly consumed in Australia.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX100003Aug.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 26 :: Chris Alderman : 29/7/2010 :
Welcome to Issue No 26 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest.
Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Discuss the newly recommended approach to the use of colchicine for acute gout
- Describe recent developments relating to the treatment of restless legs syndrome
- Describe the clinical pharmacology of moxonidine
- List clinical issues relating to the therapeutic use of melatonin.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX100003k.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Personalised Medicine and Pharmacogenomics :: Michael and Wassana Sorich : 15/7/2010 :
Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Explain the purpose of personalised medicine and the contribution of pharmacogenomics
- Discuss the barriers to and drivers for the use of personalised medicine
- Compare and contrast examples of major current and emerging pharmacogenomic markers.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX100003jL.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to accredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 25 :: Chris Alderman : 1/7/2010 :
Welcome to Issue No 25 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest.
Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Identify the relevant clinical issues relating to amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis
- Discuss the use of complementary products for the management of menopausal symptoms
- Describes principles relevant to the use of duloxetine for the management of diabetic neuropathy.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Drugs and driving: the role of the pharmacist in assisting with road safety for older road users :: Jenny Gowan : 17/6/2010 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Identify medical conditions which may impact on driving skills
- List common prescribed and non prescription products which are known to impact on driving skills
- Counsel patients about the risks of driving impairment
- Advise patients and doctors on strategies to reduce risk of driving impairment.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX100003j.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to accredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 24 :: Chris Alderman : 3/6/2010 :
Welcome to Issue No 24 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Understand general principles relating to the therapeutic use of prostanoid compounds
- Discuss the clinical pharmacology and therapeutic application of ustekinumab
- Describe the therapeutic applications of fish oil derivatives
- Discuss clinical aspects of the interaction between grapefruit juice and statin drugs.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 points. Accreditation number: CX100003i.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Parkinson's disease :: Debbie Rigby : 20/5/2010 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Understand the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease
- Compare the pharmacotherapeutic management options
- Counsel patients on the non-motor symptoms
- Advise patients and doctors on the therapeutic management of common comorbidities.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX100003h.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to accredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 23 :: Chris Alderman : 6/5/2010 :
Welcome to Issue No 23 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Understand general principles to apply in the conversion of opioid doses
- Indentify important clinical issues relating to migraine in menopausal women
- Describe drug interaction attributable to the effects of smoking
- Discuss recently elucidated information about vaccines directed against malignant melanoma.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 points. Accreditation number: CX100003g.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Conjunctivitis :: Greg Peterson : 22/4/2010 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to discuss:
- the features and causes of conjunctivitis; and
- approaches to the management of infective conjunctivitis, including the rational use of topical antibiotics.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX100003f.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 22 :: Chris Alderman : 8/4/2010 :
Welcome to Issue No 22 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Discuss risk factors for over-anticoagualtion
- Outline considerations that should be taken into account with therapeutic drug monitoring
- Describe recent developments in connection to monthly bisphosphonate therapy
- Identify principles that can be used to estimate equianalgesic doses of opioids.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX100003e.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Wound Care :: Natalie Carswell : 25/3/2010 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Identify the components of a comprehensive wound assessment
- Discuss traditional wound healing compared with the more modern moist wound healing
- Discuss the aim of an 'ideal' wound dressing
- Identify the classification and properties of wound dressing categories.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX100003d.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 21 :: Chris Alderman : 11/3/2010 :
Welcome to Issue No 21 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Outline important new developments in the management of TIAs
- Describe recent concerns in connection to the safety of drugs used in the management of obesity
- Discuss risk factors for drug-induced myopathy syndromes
- Identify serious drug interactions with medications used in the management of gout
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 point. Accreditation number: CX10000c.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Headache and OTC analgesics :: Debbie Rigby : 25/2/2010 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Identify risk factors for adverse drug events with analgesics
- Differentiate between types of chronic headache syndromes
- Appraise patients for medication overuse headaches
- Counsel patients on risks of overuse of analgesics and anti-migraine products.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX100003b.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 20 :: Chris Alderman : 11/2/2010 :
Welcome to Issue No 20 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in this issue are:
- Menopausal symptoms in women with history of breast cancer
- Pharmacological therapies for androgenetic alopecia
- Anaphylaxis with iodinated contrast media
- Dabigatran – the new warfarin?
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 point. Accreditation number: CX100003.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 19 :: Chris Alderman : 17/12/2009 :
Welcome to Issue No 19 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in this issue are:
- Describe clinical aspects and epidemiology of treatment-emergent affective switch
- Discuss the clinical pharmacology of cilostazol
- Identify benefits of and barriers to the use of bar code technology in dispensing
- Explain the relative merits of rate and rhythm control in the management of AF.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 point. Accreditation number: CX09048o.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Tests of the Blood Elements and Bleeding Risk :: Peter Tenni : 10/12/2009 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able:
- To know the major reasons for use of haematological laboratory tests by pharmacists
- To know the common causes of haemoglobin and platelet count changes
- To be able to differentiate the type of anaemia from standard haematological tests
- To know the common drugs associated with changes of platelet counts
- To understand the different coagulation tests and how they differentiate platelet from clotting factor disorders
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 points. Accreditation number: CX090048n.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Competency: The competency standards addressed by this activity include 3.2.6 (at least).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
DEMENTIA - Reducing The Risks :: Debbie Rigby : 3/12/2009 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Identify risk factors for dementia and cognitive decline.
- List lifestyle modifications that may reduce the risk for dementia.
- Describe cardiovascular risk factors associated with a higher risk for dementia.
- Counsel patients on interventions to prevent or reduce the risk of dementia.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090048m.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 18 :: Chris Alderman : 26/11/2009 :
Welcome to Issue No 18 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in this issue are:
- Understand the nature of the possible link between insulin glargine and cancer risk
- Describe important clinical aspects of Progressive Multifocal Leucoencephalopathy
- Discuss drug-induced gingival hyperplasia
- Describe the clinical pharmacology of prasugrel.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 point. Accreditation number:CX09048l.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Biostatistics - Building on the basics :: Chris Alderman : 19/11/2009 : "In a previous review, the need for pharmacists, doctors and others involved in the interpretation of information about therapeutics to have a basic working understanding of the principles of biostatistics was discussed. Issues such as sampling, types of data, data dispersal and measures of central tendency were covered. In this update, we build upon these concepts to develop a more detailed understanding of inferential statistical techniques."
Learning objectives:
- Understand basic principles relevant to hypothesis testing in research
- Describe the types of error encountered in statistical procedures
- Discuss basic inferential statistical tests
- Describe the basic principles of tests of relatedness and survival curves
The competency standards addressed by this activity include (but may not be limited to) 3.1.2.; 3.1.3; 3.1.5; 3.2.2; 4.2.1; 4.2.2; 4.2.3, 7.3.2; 7.3.4.
Successfull completion of this activity is demonstrated by answering five of the six multiple choice questions correctly.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090048k.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Anxiety disorders in old age :: Juanita Westbury : 12/11/2009 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Describe the five types of anxiety disorders and identify differences in anxiety symptoms when they present in later life
- Discuss the current, evidence based treatment of anxiety disorders in older people
- Recognise the symptoms of anxiety in older people and encourage them to seek help from GPs and psychologists
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090048j.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
β-blockers in airway disease :: Debbie Rigby : 5/11/2009 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Identify benefits of β-blockers in cardiovascular disease
- Be aware of the potential benefits of β-blockers in airway disease
- Counsel patients on benefits and risks of β-blockers in airway disease
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090048i.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 17 :: Chris Alderman : 29/10/2009 :
Welcome to Issue No 17 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in this issue are:
- Understand important drug interactions with urinary alkalinisers
- Describe important clinical aspects of refeeding syndrome
- Discuss the management of thiamine deficiency
- Describe the clinical pharmacology of bevacizumab
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 point. Accreditation number:CX09048h.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Macular Degeneration - Role of Complementary Medicines :: Debbie Rigby : 22/10/2009 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Be aware of signs and symptoms of macular degeneration
- Counsel patients on modifiable risk reduction strategies
- Select appropriate evidence-based complementary medicines
- Refer patients to a medical practitioner when appropriate
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090048g.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Scabies :: Leanne Stafford : 8/10/2009 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Describe the cause, typical signs and symptoms and diagnosis of scabies, plus the spread and prevalence of, and risk factors for, infestation with the scabies mite.
- Discuss the current, evidence-based treatment of scabies infestation in various patient populations.
- Assist patients to promote the effective use of scabicidal agents, and advise on appropriate complementary strategies to prevent re-infestation.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1.25 points. Accreditation number: CX090048f.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 16 :: Chris Alderman : 1/10/2009 :
Welcome to Issue No 16 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in this issue are:
- Inhaled insulin
- Insomnia in the elderly
- Drug-induced acute pancreatitis
- Methylnaltrexone
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 point. Accreditation number:CX09048e.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Basic Biostatistics - An introduction for Pharmacists :: Chris Alderman : 24/9/2009 : "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." This phrase, often attributed to the 19th Century British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, symbolises the difficulty, mistrust, and even fear that many people react with when required to interpret the use of statistical techniques. Despite this, a basic understanding of the important principles of biostatistics is an almost inescapable requirement for any health worker involved in clinical decision making.
Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Discuss the issues that are important to consider in sampling techniques in studies
- Describe the different characteristics of various forms of data scale used in statistics
- Understand the various measures of data dispersal used in statistics
- Identify the characteristics of various measures of central tendency
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Menopause - vasomotor symptoms :: Debbie Rigby : 17/9/2009 :
Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Recognise vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause
- Outline the treatment options and the associated risk/benefits
- Counsel women on the risks/benefits of therapies to treat vasomotor symptoms of menopause
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090048c.
PSA is authorised by the Australian Pharmacy Council to acredit providers of CPD activities for pharmacists that may be used as supporting evidence of continuing competence.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Insulin therapy in the 21st century :: Leanne Stafford : 10/9/2009 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Discuss the therapeutic actions of insulin, and the place in therapy of the newer insulin analogues
- Describe the commonly prescribed insulin regimens and the management of insulin-related adverse effects
- Assist patients with, and direct them to appropriate resources regarding, the administration of their insulin therapy.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX0900486b.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 15 :: Chris Alderman : 3/9/2009 :
Welcome to Issue No 15 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in this issue are:
* Interaction between folate and phenytoin
* Zoledronic acid for osteoporosis
* Glucosamine in osteoarthritis: Update of the evidence
* Adverse effects of cholinesterase inhibitors
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 point. Accreditation number: CX090048.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Grapefruit Interactions :: Debbie Rigby : 27/8/2009 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Identify the mechanism of grapefruit juice-drug interactions and drugs involved with significant grapefruit-drug interactions
- Describe potential effects of grapefruit juice-drug interactions
- Discuss medications that may be affected and degree of risk associated with common interacting medications
- Identify effective alternative medications that do not interact
- Explain drug interaction risk factors and effective, alternative medications for patients.
Competency standards addressed: 3.2.2, 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.3, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.5, 6.3.2.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090022z.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Understanding Common Biochemistry Tests :: Peter Tenni : 20/8/2009 : Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- To know the major reasons for use of laboratory tests by pharmacists
- To know the common causes of sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine concentration changes
- To know the common drugs associated with concentration changes of sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine
- To be aware of the pattern of biochemical tests associated with under and overhydration
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090022y.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Dry Eyes :: Debbie Rigby : 13/8/2009 :
Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Recognise that dry eye syndrome is a common disorder in the older person
- Understand the role of tears in eye health
- Identify common signs and symptoms of dry eyes
- Identify medical conditions and lifestyle issues that may predispose patients to dry eyes
- List common medications associated with dry eyes
- Evaluate drug therapies for the treatment and prevention of dry eyes
- Counsel patients on the most appropriate treatment
- Outline the role of the pharmacist in discussing management of dry eyes with patients
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090022z.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 14 :: Chris Alderman : 6/8/2009 :
Welcome to Issue No 14 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in Issue No 14 are:
* Total parenteral nutrition
* Antimicrobials for Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci
* Neuramidase inhibitors and H1 N1 influenza 09
* Medical records and adverse drug reactions
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 point. Accreditation number: CX090022w.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Update on Fish Oils and Cardiovascular Disease :: Angus Thompson and Tonie Miller : 23/7/2009 : After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Discuss the roles played by marine n-3 PUFAs in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.
- Provide advice to pharmacy clients on intake of marine n-3 PUFAs from both dietary and supplemental sources relevant to their individual needs.
- Direct patients to additional sources of information on the role of marine n-3 PUFAs in cardiovascular disease.
Competency standards addressed: 6.3.1, 7.3.2, 7.3.3, 8.4.3.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090022v.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Nocturnal leg cramps :: Debbie Rigby : 16/7/2009 :
Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Recognise that leg cramps are a common disorder
- Identify medical conditions that may predispose patients to leg cramps
- List common medications associated with leg cramps
- Discuss the benefits on physical and non-drug interventions
- Evaluate drug therapies for the treatment and prevention of leg cramps
- Counsel patients on the unfavourable risk/benefit of treatment with quinine
- Outline the role of the pharmacist in discussing management of leg cramps with patients
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 points. Accreditation number: CX090022u.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Rheumatoid Arthritis :: Anna McClure : 9/7/2009 :
Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and how these differ from osteoarthritis (OA)
- Recognise the importance of controlling inflammation in slowing disease progression and managing symptoms
- Understand the therapeutic strategy for the treatment of RA, including the role of biologic therapies
- For patients taking DMARDs, recognise the importance of monitoring for toxicity and efficacy.
- Understand the role of non-pharmacologic therapy
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1.5 points. Accreditation number: CX090022t.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 13 :: Chris Alderman : 2/7/2009 : Welcome to Issue No 13 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in Issue No 13 are:
Statins and haemorrhagic stroke risk
- The polypill
- Metoclopramide and movement disorders
- Hydromorphone prolonged-release (Jurnista)
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 point. Accreditation number: CX090022s.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Proton pump inhibitors adverse effects :: Debbie Rigby : 25/6/2009 :
Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Describe the association of long-term proton pump inhibitor use with the risk for community-acquired pneumonia, hip fractures, interstitial nephritis and C. difficle infection.
- Advise general practitioners on management of concomitant use of clopidogrel and PPIs
- Counsel patients on the risks and benefits of long-term PPI use
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090022v.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Update on Dietary Fats and their role in Cardiovascular Disease :: Angus Thompson, Tonie Miller and Lisa Murphy : 18/6/2009 : After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
* Discuss the association between dietary fat intake and cardiovascular health
* Provide advice on making changes to dietary fat intake to improve health outcomes
* Direct patients to additional sources of information on dietary fat intake and health
Competency standards addressed: 6.3.1, 7.3.2, 7.3.3, 8.4.3.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 points. Accreditation number: CX090022q.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Osteoarthritis :: Anna McClure : 4/6/2009 :
Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA)
- Understand the risk factors for OA
- Evaluate therapeutic options for the treatment of OA, including non-pharmacologic therapies

- Understand the complexities of COX-II selective and non-selective NSAIDs
- Recognise the role of the pharmacist in the management of OA, including when to refer
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1.25 point. Accreditation number: CX090022p.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
PMS and PMDD – premenstrual disorders :: Debbie Rigby : 28/5/2009 :
Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Describe the signs and symptoms of PMS and PMDD
- Select appropriate therapy for the management of premenstrual disorders
- Advise women with PMS on over-the-counter medications and lifestyle modifications
- Refer patients to a medical practitioner when appropriate
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090022o.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 12 :: Chris Alderman : 21/5/2009 :
Welcome to Issue No 12 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in Issue No 12 are:
- Renal colic
- Complementary and alternative medicines in RA
- Respimat® inhaler
- Premarin® and Premia Continuous®
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Have an understanding of the diagnosis and management of renal colic
- Describe recent evidence in relation to the use of complementary therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
- Understand the characteristics of the Respimat® inhaler device
- Discuss alternatives to conjugated oestrogen products
The competency standards addressed by this activity include (but may not be limited to) 3.1.2.; 3.1.3; 3.1.5; 3.2.2; 4.2.1; 4.2.2; 4.2.3, 7.3.2; 7.3.4.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 points. Accreditation number: CX090022o.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Fungal skin diseases :: Colin Curtain : 14/5/2009 :
On completion of this module, the pharmacist should be able to:
- Discuss the causes and risk factors for tinea.
- Identify tinea.
- Offer appropriate treatment or referral.
The competency standards addressed by this activity include (but may not be limited to) 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 6.1 ,6.2, 6.3.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 points. Accreditation number: CX090022n.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 11 :: Chris Alderman : 7/5/2009 : Welcome to Issue No 11 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in Issue No 11 are:
- Desvenlafaxine for depression
- Denosumab
- Clopidogrel and PPIs
- Antithrombin deficiency
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Have an understanding of the basic clinical pharmacology of desvenlafaxine
- Describe basic characteristics of the novel osteoporosis treatment, denosumab
- Understand the nature of the possible interaction between clopidogrel and PPIs
- Discuss the clinical implications and management of antithrombin III deficiency
The competency standards addressed by this activity include (but may not be limited to) 3.1.2.; 3.1.3; 3.1.5; 3.2.2; 4.2.1; 4.2.2; 4.2.3; 7.3.2; 7.3.4.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 points. Accreditation number: CX090022l.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Peptic ulcer disease, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Helicobacter pylori and proton pump inhibitors :: Jenny Casanova : 30/4/2009 : After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Describe common signs and symptoms of peptic ulcer disease and distinguish it from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
- Identify the alarm symptoms which indicate need for an urgent endoscopy
- List medications which commonly cause ulcers and gastritis
- Recommend first-line Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy based on Australian resistance patterns
- Consider the risks of long term acid suppression with PPIs
- Identify situations where ulcer prophylaxis is appropriate

Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090022k.
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Hypertension :: Angus Thompson : 23/4/2009 :
On completion of this module, the pharmacist should be able to discuss:
- Discuss the factors affecting choice of antihypertensive treatment
- Discuss current blood pressure treatment targets
- Briefly discuss the concept of overall cardiovascular risk
The competency standards addressed by this activity include (but may not be limited to) 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090022k.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 


AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Gout :: Debbie Rigby : 16/4/2009 : Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis usually presenting with a sudden onset and has a tendency to recur. It is predominantly a disease of middle-aged men, but there is a gradually increasing prevalence in both men and women in older age groups. Women usually develop gout after menopause. It is estimated that 1 to 2% of adults in Australia have the disorder. The incidence is substantially higher in Maoris at 6.4%.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 points. Accreditation number: CX090022j.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 10 :: Chris Alderman : 2/4/2009 :
Welcome to Issue No 10 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in Issue No 10 are:
- Natalizumab for multiple sclerosis
- Mouth care
- Anticholinergic agents, cognition and heat-related illness
- Educational visiting service from clinical pharmacists
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Understand the relevant factors in the clinical use of natalizumab
- Describe the principles of educational visiting as a means to improve prescribing of renally cleared drugs
- Describe fundamental aspects of mouth care practices
- Indentify important adverse effects arising form the use of anticholinergic drugs
The competency standards addressed by this activity include (but may not be limited to) 3.1.2.; 3.1.3; 3.1.5; 3.2.2; 4.2.1; 4.2.2; 4.2.3; 7.3.2; 7.3.4.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 0.75 point. Accreditation number: CX090022h.
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Psychosis and antipsychotics: selected clinical issues :: Chris Alderman and Anita Marwood : 26/3/2009 :
This activity is based on a critical area of contemporary therapeutics, addressing the important issue of a serious mental illness and the treatments that can be used for the management of these conditions.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1.5 points. Accreditation number: CX090022g.
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
The management of asthma :: Bonnie Bereznicki : 19/3/2009 :
On completion of this module, the pharmacist should be able to:
- Assess a patient’s asthma control and refer if necessary
- Identify the concepts of the Australian Asthma Management Plan
- Recognise the place in therapy of an Asthma Action Plan and be able to advise patients
- Analyse the use of ‘relievers’, ‘preventers’, ‘symptom controllers’ and ‘maintenance and reliever’ treatment and their place in therapy.
- Recognise the pharmacist’s role in asthma management.
The competency standards addressed by this activity include (but may not be limited to) 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.3, 6.2.1, 6.2.2.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1.25 points. Accreditation number: CX090022f.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm CE: OTC management of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) :: Debbie Rigby : 12/3/2009 :
Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Be aware of signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections
- Select appropriate antibiotic therapy for treating UTIs
- Identify OTC medications for preventing UTIs
- Refer patients to a medical practitioner when appropriate
Competency standards addressed: 3.2.2, 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.3, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.5, 6.3.2.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for .75 points. Accreditation number: CX090022e.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 9 :: : 5/3/2009 :
Welcome to Issue No 9 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in Issue No 9 are:
- Christmas Edition - Best wishes for the festive season (interpreting clinical trials)
- Rivaroxaban
- Ambulatory glycaemic control - recent developments
- Parasomnias and psychiatric adverse effects with zolpidem
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Identify factors relevant in the interpretation of clinical trials
- Be aware of the adverse effects associated with zolpidem
- Understand the nature of parasomnias
- Understand recent developments in relation to glycaemic control for diabetic patients
Apply a working knowledge of the clinical pharmacology of rivaroxaban
The competency standards addressed by this activity include (but may not be limited to) 3.1.2.; 3.1.3; 3.1.5; 3.2.2; 4.2.1; 4.2.2; 4.2.3; 7.3.2; 7.3.4.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090022a.
AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Osteoporosis in men :: Debbie Rigby : 26/2/2009 :
Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Understand the prevalence and incidence of osteoporosis in men
- Identify risk factors for osteoporosis in men
- Be aware of the evidence for treatment of osteoporosis in men
- Counsel male patients on benefits of calcium and vitamin D supplementation
Competency standards addressed: 3.1.2 and 4.3.3
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090022c.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 

AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
AusPharm CE: Vaginal thrush :: Ella Jeffrey : 19/2/2009 :
On completion of this module, the pharmacist should be able to discuss:
* the causes of vaginitis; and

* approaches to the management of vaginitis, particularly vulvovaginal candidiasis.
The competency standards addressed by this activity include (but may not be limited to) 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.3, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.3.1, 6.3..
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090022a.


AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Statin induced myopathy :: Debbie Rigby : 12/2/2009 :
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Identify risk factors for statin-induced myopathy
- Be aware of the signs and symptoms of statin-induced myopathy
- Counsel patients on the benefits and risks of statin therapy
The competency standards addressed by this activity include (but may not be limited to) 3.1.2 and 4.3.3.
This activity has been accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia as a Group 2 activity for 1 point. Accreditation number: CX090022a.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 

AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 8 :: : 16/12/2008 :
Welcome to Issue No 8 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in Issue No 8 are:
- Varenicline and mental disorders
- Safety of inhaled bronchodilators in COPD
- Other therapies for prevention/treatment of dementia (part 1)
- Other therapies for prevention/treatment of dementia (part 2)
The RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest is a new way for busy pharmacists, doctors and nurses to access high quality continuing professional development materials in a convenient, inexpensive and reliable format.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Therapeutic benefits of chocolate “A piece of dark chocolate a day keeps the doctor away” :: Debbie Rigby : 9/12/2008 :
As Christmas approaches it seems only reasonable that we do a CE activity on chocolate. Thanks for putting this together for us Debbie.
Chocolate for some is an everyday consumption, at any hour of the day. Cocoa is the third largest commodity on the world market, after sugar and coffee. The Swiss lead the world in chocolate consumption at roughly 10kg per person per year.
Recent evidence suggests that chocolate has beneficial effects of lipids and blood pressure, and may contribute to prevention of cardiovascular disease as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 

AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 7 :: : 2/12/2008 :
Welcome to Issue No 7 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in Issue No 7 are:
- Revised guidelines for endocarditis prophylaxis
- Management of hypercalcaemia
- Choice of antiplatelet agent for secondary prevention of stroke
- Neurological uses of botulinum toxin A
The RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest is a new way for busy pharmacists, doctors and nurses to access high quality continuing professional development materials in a convenient, inexpensive and reliable format.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Common Viral Sexually Transmitted Infections: a case study :: Andrew Stafford : 25/11/2008 :
Two weeks ago AusPharm ran the first part of this two part series on Sexually transmissible infections other than HIV – Common viral STIs
Participants may need to refer back to that activity and to other reference material (eg MIMs, AMH, eTG) in order to complete this case study.
"A young woman presents to the pharmacy because she has received a message on her answering machine from a sexual partner with whom she had unprotected sex one week ago. He has accused her of giving him herpes.
The young lady is upset, and convinced that she couldn't have given him the infection because she doesn't have any symptoms. Is it possible that, despite her lack of symptoms, she could have transmitted an infection to her partner?"
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Drug Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder :: Chris Alderman : 18/11/2008 :
After completing this activity, the pharmacist should be able to:
- Describe the relative places of non-drug and drug therapies in the management of PTSD
- Rank the recommended drug therapies for PTSD in accordance with the currently available evidence and recommendations by expert panels and consensus guidelines
- Describe the circumstances where antipsychotic drugs may be most helpful in the management of PTSD
- Understand the limitations that currently affect the interpretation of pharmacotherapy research in relation to PTSD
- Understand the proposed basis for future developments that might be anticipated in the area of PTSD drug therapy research.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity now. 
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Sexually transmissible infections other than HIV – Common viral STIs :: Andrew Stafford : 12/11/2008 : The Australian National Sexually Transmissible Infections (STI) Strategy currently considers three viral STIs, other than HIV, to be of public health importance. These are hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human papilloma virus (HPV). This activity provides the reader with an overview of the cause, presentation, management and prevention of HSV and HPV, the two viral STIs most frequently encountered in the Australian clinical setting. 
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Not a 'premium' member? To upgrade now click here or to commence a free trial click here. To add your PSA, AACP or ACPPM member number to our database (so you can receive credit for completing this activity) click here.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 6 :: : 4/11/2008 :
Welcome to Issue No 6 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in Issue No 6 are:
- Anticonvulsants & BPSD
- Exenatide
- Yaz® - oral contraceptive for premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Guidelines for use of antifungals in haematology/oncology
- Fenofibrate
The RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest is a new way for busy pharmacists, doctors and nurses to access high quality continuing professional development materials in a convenient, inexpensive and reliable format.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Acute Postoperative Pain Management: Case Study :: Anna Tompson : 28/10/2008 :
Two weeks ago AusPharm ran the first part of this two part series on Acute post-operative pain management
. Participants may need to refer back to that activity and to other reference material (eg MIMs, AMH, eTG) in order to complete this case study.
Mrs. Collins is a 60 year-old woman who lives with her husband. She has had osteoarthritis for some years now, which has resulted in her needing a total right hip replacement. Prior to her surgery, she was taking Panadeine Forte® 1-2 PRN, and eports using at least 6-8 tablets a day, depending on her activity level. She is otherwise reasonably healthy with a past edical history of controlled high blood pressure and depression. Her other medications are aspirin 100mg daily, atenolol 0mg mane and paroxetine 20mg daily......."
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Safety concerns with glitazones :: Debbie Rigby : 21/10/2008 :
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) or “glitazones” are a class of oral hypoglycaemic agents used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Drugs within this class available in Australia include rosiglitazone (Avandia), rosiglitazone/metformin (Avandamet), pioglitazone (Actos).
Concerns over the safety profile of rosiglitazone have lead to recent changes to the availability of this drug under the PBS.
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Acute post-operative pain management :: Anna Tompson : 14/10/2008 : Pain is a complicated and varied experience, not easily measured like blood pressure or cholesterol. The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage.” Pain can be acute or chronic.
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Not a 'premium' member? To upgrade now click here or to commence a free trial click here. To add your PSA, AACP or ACPPM member number to our database (so you can receive credit for completing this activity) click here.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 5 :: : 7/10/2008 :
Welcome to Issue No 5 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest. The topics covered in Issue No 5 are:
- Pramipexole in Parkinson's Disease and RLS
- PPIs and fracture risk
- Sitagliptin
- VTE prophylaxis
The RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest is a new way for busy pharmacists, doctors and nurses to access high quality continuing professional development materials in a convenient, inexpensive and reliable format.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Mens health: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Case Study :: Angus Thompson and Professor Gregory Peterson : 30/9/2008 : Learning Objective: The pharmacist should be able to apply evidence-based principles of pharmacotherapeutics to a practical example of a patient with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Two weeks ago AusPharm ran the first part of this two part series on Mens Health: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
. Participants may need to refer back to that activity and to other reference material (eg MIMs, AMH, eTG) in order to complete this case study.
Frank Axe is a 67-year old male. He presents in the pharmacy and asks for your advice. Discussion reveals that Frank has been getting up increasingly often at night to pass urine, he himself looses count how often, but his wife has told him that it is 5 or 6 times a night......"
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Metformin and lactic acidosis :: Debbie Rigby : 23/9/2008 : A potential complication of biguanides such as metformin is a rare association with lactic acidosis, a condition that has a mortality rate of approximately 50 percent. Lactic acidosis has been linked to the use of biguanides for decades.
Phenformin was withdrawn from the market in the 1970s because of a clear association with lactic acidosis; however it should not be assumed this is a class adverse effect. Metformin, unlike phenformin, enhances glucose oxidation without affecting fasting lactate production in peripheral tissues. Recent evidence has questioned the relationship between between metformin and lactic acidosis.
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Sexually transmissible infections other than HIV – Bacterial STIs - a case study :: Andrew Stafford : 16/9/2008 : 
Learning Objective: The pharmacist should be able to apply evidence-based principles of pharmacotherapeutics to a practical example of a patient with a bacterial STI.
Two weeks ago AusPharm ran the first part of this two part series on Sexually transmissible infections other than HIV – current management strategies
Part I – Bacterial STIs
. Participants will need to refer back to that activity and to other reference material (eg MIMs, AMH, eTG) in order to complete this case study.
A 19 year old woman presents to the pharmacy asking for something for “period pain”. She describes the pain as diffuse, mild lower abdominal pain that has occurred fairly continuously for the past six weeks. She also states that she has not suffered pain like this before with her menses. The only treatment she has used so far is a hot water bottle at night time, with little effect. Her only regular medication is Monofeme tablets, which she started about three months ago after needing the “morning-after” pill twice in a fortnight.
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Mens Health: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) :: Angus Thompson and Professor Gregory Peterson : 9/9/2008 :

Learning Objective: After completing this activity, the pharmacist should be able to discuss:
- the prevalence and pathophysiology of BPH; and
- approaches to the management of BPH
Benign hyperplasia of the prostate gland is an age-related condition, existing in more than 50% of men over 60 years of age, increasing to 90% in men over 80 years. In many men prostatic enlargement will be asymptomatic, but amongst men over 60 years of age, between 15% and 30% will have some Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) and one in four will have LUTS which greatly affect their quality of life.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity now. 
Not a 'premium' member? To upgrade now click here or to commence a free trial click here. To add your PSA, AACP or ACPPM member number to our database (so you can receive credit for completing this activity) click here.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 4 :: : 2/9/2008 :
Welcome to Issue No 4 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest.
The RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest is a new way for busy pharmacists, doctors and nurses to access high quality continuing professional development materials in a convenient, inexpensive and reliable format.
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Allergic rhinitis and asthma :: Debbie Rigby : 26/8/2008 : 
Good asthma management requires appropriate treatment of allergic rhinitis. Most people with asthma (up to 80 percent) have allergic rhinitis and more than 60 per cent of people with allergic rhinitis also have asthma.
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Sexually transmissible infections other than HIV – current management strategies Part I – Bacterial STIs :: Andrew Stafford : 19/8/2008 :
Learning Objective: After completing this activity, the pharmacist should be able to:
- appreciate the prevalence of STIs in the Australian community
- understand the causes, features and diagnosis of common bacterial STIs
- understand the appropriate key treatment strategies for these STIs
The term sexually transmissible infection (STI) describes a multitude of diseases in which sexual behaviour plays an epidemiologically significant role in the transmission of the causative pathogen. Such diseases may also be transmitted via nonsexual routes. For example, not all infections due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) are transmitted sexually. Over 30 different infections are now classified as predominantly sexually transmitted or as frequently sexually transmissible.
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Weight management in overweight and obese diabetic patients: Case Study :: Helle Dalgaard Sørensen, Professor Gregory Peterson and Dr Luke Bereznicki : 12/8/2008 : 
Learning Objective: The pharmacist should be able to apply evidence-based principles of pharmacotherapeutics to a practical example of a patient with type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity.
Two weeks ago AusPharm ran the first part of this two part series on Weight management in overweight and obese diabetic patients
. Participants will need to refer back to that activity and to other reference material (eg MIMs, AMH, eTG) in order to complete this case study.
Eddie Green is a 61-year old male, who presents to his GP for a routine check-up. He states that “he feels pretty much the same since his last face-to-face visit almost one year ago, and everything seems to be going well”. The GP decides that a HMR could be useful as part of an overall review and education of Mr. Green, and provides the following data to Mr. Green’s community pharmacy.
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 3 :: : 5/8/2008 :
Welcome to Issue No 3 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest.
The RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest is a new way for busy pharmacists, doctors and nurses to access high quality continuing professional development materials in a convenient, inexpensive and reliable format. The Digest is based around the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin, which will continue to be distributed free of charge in the usual way. (Click here to read the RGH announcement in full.)
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Weight management in overweight and obese diabetic patients :: Helle Dalgaard Sørensen, Professor Gregory Peterson and Dr Luke Bereznicki : 29/7/2008 :
Learning Objective: On completion of this module, the pharmacist should be able to discuss approaches to the management of obesity in type 2 diabetes.
Obesity and weight gain are major complications for type 2 diabetic patients, and nearly 90% of this patient group is considered overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2) or obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). Most of the patients suffer from ‘metabolic syndrome’ (see Table 1 for definition); the combination of being overweight accompanied by insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and hyperglycaemia. The question is how to manage weight in these patients, in whom weight loss is generally more difficult to achieve than in other obese individuals, and thereby improve diabetic control and prevent long-term complications.
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Asthma in the older person :: Debbie Rigby : 22/7/2008 :

After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- discuss the prevalence of asthma in the older person
- understand management of asthma in the older person
- offer self-management education to older patients
- assess adherence to asthma medications
- counsel patients on the benefits of Symbicort SMART therapy
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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Hyperhidrosis: Case Study :: Professor Gregory Peterson, Dr Ashok Narayana and Dr Shane Jackson : 15/7/2008 :

Learning Objective: The pharmacist should be able to apply evidence-based principles of pharmacotherapeutics to a practical example of a patient with hyperhidrosis.
Two weeks ago AusPharm ran the first part of this two part series on Hyperhidrosis. Participants will need to refer back to that activity and to other reference material (eg MIMs, AMH, eTG) in order to complete this case study.
Mrs. Nolan is a 47-year-old woman, approaching menopause. She has a past history of hypertension and depression. Her current medications are diltiazem 180mg daily and sertraline 100 mg daily. She has presented to her GP with excessive, generalised sweating, which requires a change of clothing several times daily.
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 2 :: : 8/7/2008 :
Welcome to Issue No 2 of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest.
The RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest is a new way for busy pharmacists, doctors and nurses to access high quality continuing professional development materials in a convenient, inexpensive and reliable format. The Digest is based around the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin, which will continue to be distributed free of charge in the usual way. (Click here to read the RGH announcement in full.)
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Exercise and the pharmacist :: Tania Colarco : 1/7/2008 :

Learning objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- understand the health benefits of undertaking physical activity;
- understand the current recommendations for physical activity in Australia;
- identify patients who require medical review before commencing regular physical activity;
- provide some guidance as to the types of physical activity to undertake; and
- identify areas where pharmacists may be asked about exercise related issues (e.g. drugs in sport).
Most Australians do not undertake sufficient daily physical activity. In 2004–2005, 70% of Australians aged 15 years and over (who were surveyed in the National Health Survey) were classified as being sedentary or having low levels of physical activity. Women were more likely to be sedentary or have low levels of physical activity compared with men (73% versus 66%). Physical inactivity was estimated to account for 10.2% of total deaths and 6.6% of the total burden of disease and injury in the Australian population in 2003, which represents the fourth greatest cause of burden of disease among Australians.
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
Click here to do this Continuing Education activity. 
Hyperhidrosis :: Dr Ashok Narayana, Professor Gregory Peterson and Dr Shane Jackson : 24/6/2008 :
Learning Objective: On completion of this module, the pharmacist should be able to discuss:
- the prevalence and causes (including drug-related) of hyperhidrosis; and
- approaches to the management of hyperhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes unpredictable perspiration in excess of that required for normal thermoregulation, as a result of the over-production of sweat by the sweat glands. Mr. BW, a regular customer to the pharmacy, came reporting a week ago that his wife Mrs. VW, aged 64 years, has been sweating profusely for the last few months, even though the weather has been quite mild.
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Gout :: Debbie Rigby : 17/6/2008 :

After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- describe the mechanisms underlying hyperuricaemia
- state the risk factors for development of gout
- identify drug-related causes of gout
- list the treatment options for acute gout and prevention of gout
- counsel patients on lifestyle modifications
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest - Issue No 1 :: : 3/6/2008 :
Welcome to our 'pilot' of the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest.
The RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin CPD Digest is a new way for busy pharmacists, doctors and nurses to access high quality continuing professional development materials in a convenient, inexpensive and reliable format. The Digest will be based around the RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletin, which will continue to be distributed free of charge in the usual way. (Click here to read the RGH announcement in full.)
This pilot will assess your understanding of four recent RGH Pharmacy E-Bulletins (Volumes 30:1 to 30:4, May 2008). You can access these E-Bulletins individually here or as a group here.
We'd be delighted to receive feedback on how you find this CE activity. You can do this by commenting in the fields provided at the end of the multiple choice questions.
For further information contact the RGH Pharmacy Department on 08 82751763 or email: chris.alderman@rgh.sa.gov.au.
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Information in this E-Bulletin Digest is derived from critical analysis of available evidence – individual clinical circumstances should be considered when making treatment decisions.
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Dementia: case study :: Juanita Westbury and Dr Shane Jackson : 27/5/2008 :
Learning Objective:

The pharmacist should be able to apply evidence-based principles of pharmacotherapeutics to a practical example of a patient with dementia.
Two weeks ago AusPharm ran the first part of this two part series on Dementia Participants will need to refer back to that activity and to other reference material (eg MIMs, AMH, eTG) in order to complete this case study.
Select the most appropriate option for each of the questions below relating to the following case:
One of your regular customers, Cheryl, comes into the pharmacy and presents an authority prescription for her mother, Evelyn Moss, who is 82 years old and lives with her husband in a small retirement unit. Cheryl tells you that her mum has just been switched over to Elexon (rivastigmine) from Aricept (donepezil) by the geriatrician. Cheryl said that her mother didn’t appear to improve on the Aricept and wants to know if the new medication is any ‘better’. She also mentions in passing that her father is finding it increasingly difficult to look after her mother.
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Medication management of urinary incontinence :: Debbie Rigby : 20/5/2008 : 
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Understand the pathophysiology of the bladder
- Understand that medications may cause or treat different types of urinary incontinence
- Identify treatment options for urinary incontinence
- Explain the mechanism of action of medications for treating urinary incontinence
- Counsel patients on the appropriate treatment of different types of urinary incontinence
A previous AusPharm Continuing Education activity focussed on medication causes of urinary incontinence (UI). (Mark, put link) That article identified the different types of urinary incontinence and reversible risk factors, and detailed medications that may cause or exacerbate this common condition.
This article will focus on the medications used to treat the different types of urinary incontinence.
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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Dementia :: Juanita Westbury and Dr Shane Jackson : 13/5/2008 :
Learning Objectives:
After completing this activity, pharmacists should;
- acknowledge the prevalence, the main types and assessment of dementia;
- understand therapy affecting dementia progression and management of behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with dementia; and
- be able to assist people with dementia and their family/carers.
The term ‘dementia’ refers to a significant loss of intellectual abilities such as memory capacity, severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning. Dementia is not a single specific disease and therefore affects each person differently with symptoms and disease progression varying between individuals.
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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Urinary incontinence – medication causes :: Debbie Rigby : 6/5/2008 : 
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- define the different types of urinary incontinence
- be aware of risk factors for urinary incontinence
- identify medications that cause or exacerbate urinary incontinence
- understand the mechanism of action of medication-related incontinence
Over half a million people or 2.8% of the Australian adult population experience severe incontinence, and a further 723,100 people have moderate urinary incontinence i.e. urine leakage several times a month or less. Another 3 million Australians experience leakage less than once a month or may only leak a few drops. With over 3.8 million Australians having had some form of incontinence, chances are that you may see someone every day in the pharmacy with bladder or bowel problems.
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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Case study: Non-Infectious Liver Disease :: Peter Tenni : 29/4/2008 :
Learning Objective: The pharmacist should be able to apply evidence-based principles of pharmacotherapeutics to a practical example of a patient with liver disease.
Two weeks ago AusPharm ran the first part of this two part series on The Role of Drugs in Non-Infective Liver Disease. Participants may wish to refer back to that activity and/or to other reference material in order to complete this case study.
Mr PT is a 72 year old man with advanced alcoholic liver disease, heart failure with permanent atrial fibrillation and severe pancreatitis resulting in diabetes. He has developed significant ascites, and has put on 9kg in weight over the past 2 months. In addition, Mr T is becoming increasingly confused and disorientated. His GP has arranged for an HMR to be undertaken.
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The Role of Drugs in Non-Infective Liver Disease :: Peter Tenni : 15/4/2008 : This week's AusPharm continuing education activity takes the form of an audio visual presentation.
Learning Objectives:
- Know the normal functions of the liver
- Be aware of the prevalence and causes of the common non-infectious liver diseases
- Be able to interpret various biochemical tests as a guide to liver function
- Know the clinical signs and symptoms of liver disease
- Know the common drugs which may cause liver disease
- Be able to advise on the use of drugs in the management of the complications of liver disease
- Be aware of the limitations of drug use in patient’s with significant liver diseases
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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Smoking Cessation: Case Study :: Rose Nash, Dr Luke Bereznicki and Professor Gregory Peterson : 8/4/2008 :
Learning Objective: The pharmacist should be able to apply evidence-based principles of pharmacotherapeutics to a practical example of a patient undergoing smoking cessation therapy.
Two weeks ago AusPharm ran the first part of this two part series on Smoking Cessation. Participants may wish to refer back to that activity and/or to other reference material in order to complete this case study.
Mr Brown is a 35 year old construction worker who presents to you in the pharmacy, for advice. He is requesting information on the smoking cessation products currently available.
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Restless legs syndrome :: Debbie Rigby : 1/4/2008 : 
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Define restless legs syndrome
- Identify 4 features that must be present for diagnosis
- Recognise disorders that mimic the symptoms of RLS
- Describe the major causes of RLS
- Describe non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments of RLS
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common disorder in the older person, characterized by an almost irresistible urge to move the legs. The unpleasant sensations frequently cause difficulties in falling asleep. RLS is estimated to affect 5 to 10 percent of the population, affects more women than men, and seems to increase with age. Restless legs syndrome can have a detrimental effect on sleep, cognition, quality of life and mental status.
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AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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Smoking Cessation :: Rose Nash, Dr Luke Bereznicki and Professor Gregory Peterson : 26/3/2008 :
Learning Objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should:
1. understand the prevalence and consequences of smoking;
2. understand the key pharmacological approaches in smoking cessation; and
3. be able to advise on appropriate management techniques for use in different categories of patients for smoking cessation.
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Smoking is a key risk factor for the three diseases that cause the most deaths in Australia: ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and lung cancer. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, and around 13% of deaths from cardiovascular disease are caused by tobacco smoking. Nearly 40% of all people who die from smoking die from heart disease, stroke and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. Smoking increases the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke to 3 to 4 times that of non-smokers and accelerates the decline of lung function over time.

AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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Heart Failure: case study :: Professor Gregory Peterson : 18/3/2008 :
Learning Objective:
The pharmacist should be able to apply evidence-based principles of pharmacotherapeutics for heart failure to a practical example.
Two weeks ago AusPharm ran the first part of this two part series on Heart Failure. Participants may wish to refer back to that activity and/or to other reference material in order to complete this case study.
Mrs. Kline, a 74-year-old woman, is a newly admitted resident in an aged care facility. She has a past history of hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and congestive heart failure. Her current medications are aspirin 100 mg daily, diltiazem SR 180 mg daily, frusemide 40 mg bd, glyceryl trinitrate spray prn, and docusate with senna prn.
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Calcium :: Debbie Rigby : 12/3/2008 : 
On completing this education activity pharmacists should:
- Understand the role of calcium in disease prevention
- Be aware of the latest evidence for the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures
- Be able to advise patients on their need for calcium and vitamin D supplementation
- Understand the physiology of calcium, vitamin D and PTH
Calcium it is critically important for bone health and the average person consumes levels of calcium far below the recommended daily amount. More than half of Australian adults do not reach their recommended daily intake of calcium. It has been estimated that 85% of females after childhood fail to get the recommended intake of calcium. The required daily calcium allowance for most adults is 1000mg and 1300mg is recommended for people over 70 years.

AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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Systolic heart failure management: role of the pharmacist :: Professor Gregory Peterson and Dr Shane Jackson : 4/3/2008 :
Learning Objectives
After completing this activity, pharmacists should be able to:
- Understand the causes and features of heart failure
- Understand the appropriate use of key medications in heart failure
- Be able to identify key monitoring parameters for medications used in heart failure
- Be able to advise to advise patients about non-pharmacological management of heart failure
- Identify medications that may worsen heart failure
Heart failure (HF) describes conditions when the heart functions less effectively to pump blood around the body.1 Heart failure usually develops slowly, as the heart becomes weaker and works less effectively. People with mild or early HF often have few symptoms, but in more severe cases it can result in lethargy, shortness of breath on exertion and fluid overload.

AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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The maddening symptom of itch – pathophysiology and treatment :: Dr Geraldine Moses : 26/2/2008 : Itchy skin or pruritis is one of the most common complaints seen in pharmacy practice. Causes are extremely diverse, but many sufferers find effective treatment elusive. This is largely
due to the fact that itch has long been a neglected area of research, leaving available remedies wallowing in the stone age. However, over the past ten years, greater understanding of the neurophysiology of pruritus has emerged and these developments have opened up exciting possibilities for improved itch treatment. If only someone could work out why we itch just reading about it!
Learning Objectives: On completing this activity pharmacists should be able to:
- Understand the pathophysiology of itch
- Appreciate the negative impact itch can have on quality of life
- Recognise the four types of itch, and their many causes
- Know the four pillars of itch management


AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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Case study: Insomnia :: Professor Gregory Peterson : 19/2/2008 :
Learning Objective:
The pharmacist should be able to apply evidence-based principles of pharmacotherapeutics to a practical example.
Two weeks ago AusPharm ran the first part of this two part series on Insomnia. Today's Continuing Education Activity is a Case Study:
Mrs. Farmer, a 71-year-old woman who lives alone, has presented to her family doctor complaining of difficulty with getting to sleep. Her husband died, after battling cancer, about 6 months ago, which is when her insomnia had begun.

AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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Vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin :: Debbie Rigby : 12/2/2008 :
Learning Objectives
On completion of this module, the pharmacist should be able to:
- be aware of the prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency
- understand the pathophysiology of vitamin D
- discuss the importance of vitamin D for prevention of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease and some cancers
- advise patients and medical practitioners on the treatment options for vitamin D deficiency
- determine the place for vitamin D supplementation in pharmacy practice and medication reviews
Vitamin D was considered by Time to be one of the Top Ten Medical Breakthroughs for 2007. Vitamin D’s main role is to maintain calcium levels in the blood to maintain a wide variety of functions in the body, include bone health. But a large number of studies published in 2007 suggest that the vitamin may play a role in the prevention and treatment of a wide range of the conditions – diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cancer, falls, asthma, epilepsy, pre-menstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and lipid levels.

AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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Insomnia :: Professor Gregory Peterson : 5/2/2008 :
Learning Objectives

On completion of this module, the pharmacist should be able to discuss:
(i) the prevalence, causes (including drug-related) and consequences of insomnia;
(ii) the appropriate use of behavioural and drug therapy in insomnia, including properties of the benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine agents; and
(iii) the limitations of OTC options in the management of insomnia.
Insomnia has been described as an “under-appreciated public health issue”. It is estimated that almost 1.5 million GP visits each year are associated with insomnia and that approximately 5% of Australians suffer from chronic insomnia, with a similar level of usage of hypnotics.

AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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Constipation :: Debbie Rigby : 11/12/2007 : No organ in the body is so misunderstood, so slandered and maltreated as the colon.
Sir Arthur Hurst, 1935

Constipation is a common complaint amendable to self-treatment in addition to medical treatment. Many consumers will not discuss constipation with their medical practitioners, preferring to self-manage with over-the-counter and complementary medicines. Community pharmacists have frequent opportunities to identify medications and conditions that may be contributing to constipation, discuss appropriate management with patients, and ensure evidence-based drug therapy is used.

AusPharm gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by the sponsors of our CE program, MIMS and The Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH).
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