Australian Prescriber

Pharmacogenomic testing provides information on whether a patient has gene variants that can influence drug exposure or response. It can be used as part of clinical decision-making to help personalise drug therapy for a patient.

There are many new and effective oral and injectable medicines that can improve symptoms and quality of life for people with psoriasis that are not adequately controlled with topical therapies.

Male and female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common condition. This article explores its presentations, potential causes, and pharmacological treatments including minoxidil, spironolactone and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.

Buprenorphine and methadone are highly effective medicines used in the treatment of opioid dependence. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine has recently become available in Australia, offering flexible weekly or monthly dosing for patients.

The requirement for dual labelling of several medicines has ended and they will transition to sole labelling with their new approved name.

Reducing risk of major cardiovascular events in people with known cardiovascular disease is a new indication for semaglutide (Wegovy). Previously approved indications are type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and weight management (Wegovy).

Spesolimab is the first drug to be approved for the treatment of flares, which are a debilitating characteristic of generalised pustular psoriasis (GPP). GPP is a severe form of psoriasis that is associated with serious morbidity and increased mortality.

Talazoparib is a new once-daily oral medicine for the treatment of advanced or metastatic cancer of the prostate or breast in people with HRR gene mutations.