Revamped guidelines to boost asthma patient care

Pharma News: Marking National Asthma Awareness Week (1-7 September), the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has unveiled a comprehensive update to asthma treatment guidelines. These updated guidelines offer invaluable insights to pharmacists dispensing salbutamol and terbutaline inhalers, with the overarching goal of improving the management of asthma among patients.

The renewed treatment guidelines stand as a reflection of the recently implemented Professional Practice Standards and encompass crucial revisions concerning the often-overlooked issue of an overreliance on short-acting beta2-agonists (SABA). The PSA recognises the pressing need to address this concern, given the potential consequences it carries for individuals grappling with asthma.

Dr Fei Sim, PSA National President, highlighted the ever-increasing significance of pharmacists in their pivotal role of supporting patients’ transition from reliance on relievers to embracing preventive measures. Asthma, a condition affecting approximately 2.7 million Australians, equivalent to 11% of the population, has witnessed a concerning trend revealed by Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data – a growing dependence on reliever inhalers as a primary form of treatment.

Dr Sim elaborated, “Overreliance on SABA relievers can amplify the risk of severe asthma flare-ups, rendering emergency treatments less effective. The updated treatment guidelines empower pharmacists to discern when it is appropriate to dispense reliever inhalers to patients and when their asthma may not be optimally controlled.”

The guidelines further underscore the critical importance of monitoring asthma symptom control, adherence to prescribed regimens, and proper inhaler technique at each patient encounter.

Dr Sim continued, “When conducting medication reviews, accredited pharmacists are the best-placed professionals to offer recommendations aimed at optimizing treatment utilization and asthma management.”

The PSA is calling on all pharmacists to acquaint themselves with these updated guidelines as it is imperative for patients who seek SABA relievers to consult with their medical practitioners. This is a pivotal step toward reviewing their asthma condition, ensuring they receive appropriate, long-term care, and ultimately safeguarding their wellbeing.

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