Australian Prescriber Podcast

Jo Cheah talks to dermatologist Belinda Welsh about her article on acne vulgaris. Belinda discusses the chronic inflammatory nature of acne and the substantial psychosocial burden if it is inadequately untreated. She discusses the different treatments available and shares practical tips for daily skincare routines and ensuring long term adherence to treatment. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Dhineli Perera chats with dentist Smitha Sukumar about the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures. They discuss the updated recommendations in Therapeutic Guidelines: Oral and Dental, including when antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated and considerations for immunocompromised patients. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Dhineli Perera speaks with infectious diseases physician Josh Davis about the management of acute COVID-19 in the community. They discuss the major risk factors for severe disease, the evidence behind oral antiviral therapies, and the patients most likely to benefit from treatment. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Dhineli Perera talks to neurologist Dan McLaughlin about the benefits and risks with sodium valproate, especially in people of childbearing potential. Dan outlines the evolving landscape of valproate prescribing in Australia, its adverse effects, and recent controversies surrounding potential teratogenesis linked to paternal use. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Laura Beaton speaks with gastroenterologist Nicholas Talley about his paper on the diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Nick outlines the clinical features associated with IBS and potential investigations. The conversation also covers a holistic approach to care, including diet, medications and psychological therapies. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber .

Jo Cheah talks to Jo Gross, consultant pharmacist, about her paper on emergency contraception. They discuss the types of emergency contraception available in Australia, factors that influence drug choice, and key considerations for history taking and counselling. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Justin Coleman chats with nephrologist Karen Dwyer about her paper on cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. Karen outlines the underlying conditions, pathophysiology, and stages of progression associated with CKM syndrome. The conversation also covers the importance of managing CKM syndrome with both behavioural and lifestyle modifications as well as medications. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

David Liew speaks to haematologist Cecily Forsyth about her paper on vitamin B12 testing and treating deficiency. They discuss the causes, notable risk factors, and clinical signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency. Cecily also outlines testing as well as management strategies for patients diagnosed with B12 deficiency, and the importance of long-term adherence with B12 replacement. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber .

Therapeutic Guidelines expert group member Lee Fong returns to the podcast to talk to Justin Coleman about the brand-new Kidney and Urinary guidelines. Focusing on GP management, the conversation covers some of the new content, including screening and medication regimens for chronic kidney disease, lower urinary tract symptoms, wetting in children and much more.

Laura Beaton talks to hepatology research fellow Richard O'Halloran about his paper on metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Richard outlines risk factors and comorbidities to consider, and diagnostic tests for MAFLD. The conversation also covers management of MAFLD through risk stratification, addressing health risk behaviours, and surveillance. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber .

Dhineli Perera chats with maternal–fetal medicine specialist Lisa Hui about her paper on cytomegalovirus (CMV) in pregnancy. Lisa explains how the virus is acquired and outlines strategies for reducing risk of infection. The conversation also covers testing for CMV and the role of valaciclovir in reducing the risk of fetal transmission. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Dhineli Perera speaks to infectious diseases physicians Aadith Ashok and Bradley Gardiner about their paper on preventing infections in immunosuppressed patients. They explain how to individualise risk assessments and screening investigations, and discuss antimicrobial prophylaxis and helpful safe living advice for patients. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

David Liew talks to rheumatologist Jessica Pisaniello about her paper on Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) for osteoarthritis. They discuss the limited benefits and the risks of using of hyaluronic acid in joints, what current guidelines recommend, and what the evidence says. Jessica also advises on how to approach conversations with patients who ask prescribers about using hyaluronic acid. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Laura Beaton chats with David Brieger, head of cardiology at Concord Hospital, Sydney, about the 2025 Australian acute coronary syndromes [ACS] clinical guideline. David explains the importance of secondary prevention for ACS, including new approaches to tailoring the duration of dual antiplatelet therapies, new lipid targets, and the limited role of beta blockers and colchicine. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

In a follow-up to our episode on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents , Justin Coleman talks to psychiatrist Shuichi Suetani about the pharmacological management of ADHD in adults. They discuss the different considerations for managing adults compared with children, as well as important adverse effects and monitoring of ADHD medications. Shuichi also outlines other factors to consider when assessing treatment response. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Jo Cheah talks to Terri-Lynne South, Medical Director at Lifestyle Metabolic in Brisbane, about her paper on injectable drugs for weight management. Terri-Lynne outlines the available GLP-1 drugs and how they work in managing weight. The conversation also covers important considerations for prescribers, including off-label use, potential adverse effects and the need for behavioural and lifestyle modifications. Read the full article by Terri-Lynne and her co-author Natasha Yates in Australian Prescriber.

Justin Coleman chats with sexual health physician Louise Owen about her paper on HIV testing. The conversation covers who and when to test, including higher risk populations and indicator conditions, and the types of HIV tests available, such as rapid point-of-care testing. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

AP Podcast hosts David Liew and Dhineli Perera talk about Australia's top 10 drugs over the last year. They discuss the top drugs dispensed under the PBS, based on prescription count and cost to the government. They touch on changes to the use of certain drug classes such as oral anticoagulation, and the impact of the COVID pandemic on antiviral drug use. Read the full article for 2024-25 in Australian Prescriber.

Jo Cheah speaks to clinical pharmacologist Paul Chin about safe use of direct oral anticoagulants and warfarin for adults with atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism. They talk about dosing in renal impairment and extremes of body weight, drug interactions, anticoagulant assays, when to use anticoagulant antidotes and when to consult an anticoagulant service. Read the full article in Australian Prescriber.

Justin Coleman chats with paediatrician Daryl Efron about his paper on the pharmacological management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. They discuss the role of stimulants and non-stimulants, starting and stopping treatment, and monitoring for adverse effects. Read the full paper in Australian Prescriber.