Medica - Australian Healthcare News and Information

New Australian research has shown the levels of dust mites in children's beds are three times higher in autumn than in summer. 5 December 2007

A new study shows that displays of cigarette packets behind shop counters do tempt people back to smoking. 5 December 2007

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

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

Australian’s who nearly lost their lives after taking the anti arthritis drug Vioxx have welcomed a 5 billion dollar settlement in the U.S. Lawyers say it’ll improve the chances of compensation for Australian Victims. 19 November 2007

Parents of a Central Coast toddler poisoned by the Bindeez beads have told of their terror when their little boy fell unconscious. Their warning to other parents coming as the toxic toy is banned world wide. 9 November 2007

A leading health expert says obese airline passengers should have to pay a fat tax. Under the controversial plan the heavier the passenger, the more they pay. But overweight people say that’s a discrimination. 10 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

A passionate protest over the treatment of our disabled population. 8 million Australians are affected directly or indirectly by physical impairments. The disability alliance says the sectors been neglected for years. 19 November 2007