Bulletin library
Handling of Hazardous Medicines by Healthcare Workers
October 2025
This bulletin classifies the hazardous medicines available in Aotearoa, and provides information on safety measures to protect healthcare workers by minimising occupational exposure.
Drug-Induced QTc Interval Prolongation
September 2025
This bulletin helps to assess the risk of drug-induced QTc interval prolongation and includes links to useful resources.
Dabigatran Etexilate in Compliance Aids
March 2025
Did you know two studies have recently been published (including one from Aotearoa!) exploring the stability of dabigatran etexilate in compliance aids? This bulletin is an update of our 2018 version, and summarises the key findings from these new studies.
Cannabis-Based Products
February 2025
Confused about cannabis? Consolidate your knowledge with our new bulletin on Cannabis-Based Products
Absorption of medicines following bariatric surgery
November 2024
Bariatric surgery has become increasingly common and has the potential to affect the absorption of medicines. This bulletin explains the types of procedures usually undertaken in Aotearoa and the effects these may have on physiological and pharmacokinetic changes.
Analgesia during pregnancy or while breastfeeding
November 2024
This bulletin discusses treatment options for acute pain in people who are planning pregnancy, pregnant, or breastfeeding. While most guidance has not changed, we now suggest to consider avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) around the time of conception. It also discusses the controversy with codeine use while breastfeeding.
Assessing medicines when stored outside manufacturer recommendations
August 2024
This bulletin provides a framework for considering whether medicines stored for short periods outside manufacturers specifications remain suitable for use.
Medicines and Meals – Food for Thought?
June 2024
The timing of medicine administration in relation to food is not important for most medicines, and patients should generally be advised to take their medicines consistently at the same time with respect to meals. This bulletin explores some of the myths around food and medicines, and highlights examples where an interaction with food may be clinically significant.
SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
January 2024
SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1 receptor agonists are being used increasingly in NZ for type 2 diabetes and other conditions such as heart failure and obesity. This bulletin gives an overview of these two classes of medicines.
Can transdermal patches be halved?
May 2023
Sometimes it is necessary to give a lower patch dose than is available. This bulletin discusses preferred methods for halving patch doses, and the risks and benefits of this practice.
Antidepressant Use in Pregnancy
April 2023
Depression affects approximately 10% of pregnant people and is associated with adverse parental and foetal outcomes. This bulletin presents antidepressant options during pregnancy.
Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
January 2023
Nausea and vomiting are common in pregnancy, affecting up to 80% of women. This bulletin summarises the available treatment options for these patients.
December 2022
Nirmatrelvir+ritonavir (Paxlovid®) is available for patients with COVID-19 who are at high risk of severe disease. This bulletin provides recommendations for administration to patients who have enteral feeding tubes or swallowing difficulties.
Pharmacokinetic medicines interactions with probenecid
November 2022
This bulletin highlights how probenecid significantly alters the clearance and exposure of many commonly used medicines through inhibition of renal organic anion transporters and glucuronidation, with several interactions deliberately exploited in clinical practice. It provides practical, clinically focused guidance on when to monitor, adjust doses, or avoid combinations to optimise efficacy and minimise toxicity.
Taking Complementary and Alternative Products with Your Medicines
November 2022
The use of complementary and alternative products (CAPs) such as herbals, dietary supplements, probiotics and homeopathic products is very common. However, most products sold in Aotearoa NZ are unregulated. This bulletin describes the problems reported regarding the quality of CAPs.
Morphine and Oxycodone – Similarities and Differences
February 2016
Note this bulletin is older than 5 years old and the content may no longer be accurate
Analgesics in Older People
February 2016
Note this bulletin is older than 5 years old and the content may no longer be accurate
Opioids and Laxatives
December 2015
Note this bulletin is older than 5 years old and the content may no longer be accurate
Codeine and Tramadol
June 2015
Note this bulletin is older than 5 years old and the content may no longer be accurate
Medication Induced Hyponatraemia
December 2014
Note this bulletin is older than 5 years old and the content may no longer be accurate
Herb Drug Interactions
May 2014
Note this bulletin is older than 5 years old and the content may no longer be accurate
Drug Interactions with Statins
January 2014
Note this bulletin is older than 5 years old and the content may no longer be accurate
Prescribing in Patients with Frailty
July 2013
Note this bulletin is older than 5 years old and the content may no longer be accurate