Talking pain: Opioid options and alternatives
Each year 250,000 Australians are admitted to hospital because of problems related to their medicines – the healthcare costs associated with these hospital admissions are $1.4 billion annually.
The Australian Government, through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) within the Department of Health, has implemented a number of regulatory changes in order to minimise the harms caused by opioid prescription medicines to Australians each year. The changes will ensure the safe and effective prescribing and use of opioids while maintaining access for patients who need them.
You can access the latest information about the changes to prescription opioids and how it impacts health professionals on the TGA website.
Australian Pharmacist Article on PBS changes for prescription opioids
Have a 2 minute read on this article that discusses the PBS changes for prescription opioids.
Learning modules to support pharmacists
PSA and SHPA are committed to supporting more informed and transparent conversations that ensure safer medicines use for all Australians experiencing pain.
Talking pain: Opioid options and alternatives includes four online learning modules, providing tailored advice to pharmacists on increasing awareness and understanding of appropriate opioid use, alternative treatments for pain, and how to effectively communicate with patients and consumers experiencing pain:
