Medica - Australian Healthcare News and Information

A world expert on the flu virus has warned that thousands may die needlessly from influenza next winter unless Tamiflu is down-scheduled.
Molecular biologist Dr Graeme Laver, whose work led to the development of Tamiflu, says that the Australian government is putting lives at risk, by refusing to down schedule the antiviral drug to Pharmacist Only status. 26 November 2007

TOPAMAX, manufactured by Janssen-Cilag, will be authority listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme for the prophylactic treatment of migraine from December first, making it the first PBS subsidy for a migraine prophylactic in 10 years. In clinical trials, TOPAMAX was shown to halve the frequency and severity of migraines and to significantly improve patients’ quality of life. Unlike many other migraine prophylactics, TOPAMAX did not cause weight gain, removing a significant barrier to maximising patient compliance. 26 November 2007

A recent study has shown that overweight people lose virtually no weight after suffering a heart attack. The study followed more than one thousand overweight or obese individuals, one year after they had experienced a heart attack. One of the study’s authors, Dr John Spertus of the Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City says, on average less than a half of a per cent change in body weight occurred. Dr Spertus says people need to lose at least 5 per cent of their body weight to significantly improve heart health. 27 November 2007

New research has found that too often food is used as an emotional tool to reward, bribe, entertain or settle toddlers, even when they're not hungry. A study of more than 350 Queensland mothers revealed that many use food to influence children's behaviour or mood and frequently misread babies' signals. 26 November 2007

A new trial will test whether fish oil could be more effective than stimulant drugs, for treating children with ADHD. Queensland and South Australian researchers are trialling different types of omega-3 fats on hyperactive children to see if they boost attention, memory and learning. 26 November 2007

The diabetes drug, AVANDIA will now carry a black box warning on the possible risk of heart attacks. The move follows two international studies earlier in the year that found AVANDIA significantly increased the risk of heart attack in some patients. 26 November 2007

A new anti-smoking pill soon to be released in Australia is under investigation by US authorities for possible links to suicidal thoughts and erratic behaviour. The FDA is reviewing adverse event reports submitted by the manufacturer Pfizer about the, a prescription drug to be marketed in Australia from January under the name Champix. 26 November 2007

A study by Access Economics has for the first time, put a price tag on the chronic pain experienced by 3.2 million Australians. The report shows that persistent pain costs Australia 34 billion dollars a year, and only 10 per cent of sufferers are actually getting relief from their distress. 26 November 2007

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said it was surprising that health was not prominent in either of the major party campaign launches despite highly respected polls indicating that health would be a major factor in influencing more than a quarter of all voters on 24 November. 19 November 2007

According to a study in the latest Medical Journal of Australia, GP services need to be made more attractive to teenagers who have mental health problems. 19 November 2007

Recent research has shown more than half of Australians at high risk of cancer are rejecting offers for genetic tests which could save their lives. 19 November 2007

The Australian Medical Students’ Association has welcomed Labor’s expansion of the Australian Commonwealth Scholarship program, but warned that there are a number of flaws in the program that must be fixed before rolling out additional scholarships. 19 November 2007

According to a study published in the latest Medical Journal of Australia Comprehensive, protocols in emergency departments can allow rapid assessment of stroke patients eligible for early-stage treatment. 19 November 2007