Medication update

Professor Bruce Arroll discusses updates in New Zealand medication for general practice. Bruce is a GP in South Auckland, director of the Goodfellow Unit and a Professor in General Practice at the University of Auckland.

Topics

Women’s health: Considering the emergency contraceptive
Iron supplements on alternative days
Antibiotic updates: Sinusitis
Asymptomatic bacteria in non pregnant women
Oral fluclox and a different dosing regime
New approaches to treating depression
Drug holidays and SSRI’s- have been shown to improve sexual function
Vildagliptin – now fully funded gliptin for type 2 diabetes
Osteoporosis management now suggests a bisphosphonate holiday
Opioids always require a cautious use approach
The triple whammy

Take home messages

It's hard to keep up with medicine changes
Consider having BPAC antibiotic guide and NZF open on your browser and refer to them often
Subscribe to prescriber updates
Form a good relationship with your local pharmacist