Irrational prescriptions are a major global health problem. The World Health Organisation estimates that more than half of all medicines are inappropriately prescribed, dispensed or sold.
Patients with chronic illness need support and encouragement to take their medications. SMS messaging is a simple, cheap and seemingly effective way to keep them on track.
Claire Meehan, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Pharmaceutical companies can use prescription medication ads to mislead an unwitting public for the sake of profits. While Australia prohibits such ads, the laws don’t go far enough.
As people with chronic conditions age or as their health changes, they sometimes need less medication. So when, should a person’s drugs be scaled down?
Some people are incapable of swallowing tablets because of physical or psychological reasons. What should they do when the doctor prescribes a drug that comes in tablet form?
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