The oral antiviral combination nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) is funded for treating patients with COVID-19 in the community. This resource for prescribers and dispensing pharmacists links to Pharmac's access criteria (updated 1 October 2023) and to comprehensive drug interaction guidance.
Gout services vary between regions and populations but one common factor is that success requires a whole-of-team approach. This article introduces the online Gout Guide, a helpful local resource that draws on a range of experience and proven tools to help improve gout outcomes.
A short course of oral antivirals can cure hepatitis C, but first we have to identify people with chronic infection. Read our article to find out who and how to test for hep C, the supports in place for patients and health providers, and the plan to eradicate hepatitis globally.
Mental health is a dynamic spectrum that ranges from a state of wellbeing, through mental distress, to mental disorder or illness. Written for a broad primary healthcare audience, this article offers help with navigating youth mental health.
Over 60 per cent of New Zealanders have leftover or unwanted prescription medications in their home. Having excess medicine at home might be considered a good thing from a consumer's perspective, but the potential consequences of oversupply can be serious and need to be considered by the healthcare team.
Our youth are reporting worsening emotional and mental health, and inequities for young Māori and Pacific peoples are growing. Our article includes strategies and tips that may helpful when a distressed young person presents in primary care.
Triazolam tablets have been delisted, with stocks of both 125mcg and 250mcg tablets likely to have run out. Patients who take triazolam regularly will need to be withdrawn slowly, or changed to alternative medicine if continued treatment is necessary.
Immune-related adverse events are common with ICI therapy, can be serious, and can occur up to 90 days after the last dose. Therefore, it's important to be able to recognise signs and symptoms of adverse events in primary care. Our new resource supports you to do this.
For uncomplicated lower UTIs, often referred to as cystitis, using the right antibiotic for the right duration is the best way to ensure appropriate, effective treatment and avoid development of antimicrobial resistance. This case study illustrates the recommended treatment for a symptomatic, uncomplicated UTI.
On 1 March 2023, liraglutide (Victoza brand) became the second GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP1RA) funded in Aotearoa New Zealand. This article and accompanying algorithm PDF have been developed to help prescribers through the process of starting dulaglutide or liraglutide in eligible patients with type 2 diabetes.