This week’s GXPro news roundup puts patient care and prevention in focus, with new resources supporting penicillin allergy assessment, emerging research into the potential health effects of nicotine vaping, and an Australia-wide osteoporosis education program delivered through community pharmacy. Here are three developments worth catching up on from Pharmacy Daily.
Penicillin de-labelling campaign kicks off
The National Allergy Council has launched a campaign on reported penicillin allergy alongside new ASCIA guidelines, training and resources for health professionals. Around 10% of people report a penicillin allergy, while fewer than 1% of the population are thought to be truly allergic, and more than 90% of people with a recorded allergy can tolerate penicillin following appropriate assessment and testing. For pharmacy and healthcare professionals, the resources highlight the importance of accurate allergy histories and records, with inaccurate labels associated with greater use of alternative antibiotics, longer treatment and hospital stays, and higher readmission rates.
Read the full story on Pharmacy Daily
Nicotine vapes linked with lower vascular function
An international study of 58 young adults found regular daily nicotine-vape use among people who had never smoked combustible tobacco was associated with lower vascular function and cardiorespiratory fitness. Measures of vascular function among nicotine-vape users were similar to those seen among combustible-cigarette smokers, while peak VO2 was lower among exclusive vape users than both exclusive cigarette smokers and participants who had never smoked or vaped. The researchers said longitudinal studies are needed to determine the long-term clinical implications, making these findings an emerging evidence point rather than a conclusion about long-term outcomes.
Read the full story on Pharmacy Daily
Osteoporosis program builds momentum
Community pharmacies are being encouraged to join an Australia-wide osteoporosis health-literacy initiative developed by Healthy Bones Australia, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Fred IT Group and Healthily. More than 2,700 patients had received the program’s digital educational resources since its May launch, with the initiative aiming to reach 30,000 Australians through about 500 participating pharmacies and feedback from nearly 1,200 patients giving the content an average satisfaction rating of 4.48 out of 5. Free to pharmacies using Fred Dispense Plus, the program provides an additional way for participating pharmacists to support osteoporosis education and long-term medication adherence alongside their existing counselling.
