Opioid prescribing prevalence and initiation rates in Victoria, Australia: insights from primary care data during a period of opioid policy changes (2017-2022).

Background: Opioid medications are widely prescribed for acute, chronic and cancer pain. In Australia, opioid prescribing rates remain high.

Aim: This study aimed to document patterns of primary care opioid prescribing from 2017 to 2022 by demographic characteristics in Victoria, Australia.

Australian community pharmacists' experiences of prescription drug monitoring programs: Comparisons between mandated and non-mandated states.

Background: Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) track patients' prescription records for high-risk medications and prompt real-time alerts to pharmacists when specific criteria are met. PDMPs are increasingly implemented by healthcare systems to attempt to mitigate harms associated with prescription opioids.

Objective: This study aims to explore and compare PDMP experiences among Australian community pharmacists from states where PDMP use is mandated and non-mandated.

Development of pharmacy-based best practices to support safer use and management of prescription opioids based on an e-Delphi methodology.

Background: Opioid utilization and related harm have increased in recent decades, notably in Australia, the United States, Canada, and some European countries. For people who are prescribed opioids, pharmacies offer an accessible, regular point-of-contact, providing a unique opportunity to address opioid prescription drugs risks.

Objective: This project aimed to develop consensus-based, best practice statements for improving the safer use of prescription opioids through community pharmacy settings.

Comparative study of polyphenol extraction using physical techniques and water as a solvent: a sustainable approach for the valorization of apple pomace.

Apples are among the most commonly cultivated fruits globally. Approximately 65% of annual apple production is transformed into apple juice concentrate generating a large amount of waste material named apple pomace, which includes seeds, skin, and other components. Disposing of apple by-products directly into the environment constitutes a source of environmental pollution due to its high-water content and easily fermentable nature.

Correlates of stocking naloxone: a cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists.

Background: Provision of take-home naloxone (THN) and overdose education reduces opioid-related mortality. In Australia, from July 2022, all Australian community pharmacies were eligible to supply naloxone for free through the national THN Program.

Aim: This study aimed to identify naloxone stocking rates and correlates of stocking naloxone across Australian pharmacies.