Australian Prescriber

This article discusses how drugs affect the fetus, the challenges in obtaining drug safety data in pregnancy, and limitations of the Australian categorisation system. It highlights the importance of weighing the benefits and risks of drug treatment during pregnancy and provides resources for healthcare professionals and consumers.

When motor fluctuations and dyskinesias are severe and persistent despite optimised oral and transdermal therapy, device-assisted therapies (drugs delivered by continuous intestinal or subcutaneous infusion, or deep brain stimulation) may be helpful.

Triple antithrombotic therapy is most commonly indicated for patients who require long-term anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation plus dual antiplatelet therapy following coronary stent insertion for acute coronary syndrome. Recent guidelines advocate up to 1 week of triple therapy for most patients, extending up to 1 month for those at high ischaemic risk, to balance bleeding and ischaemic risks.

There is insufficient evidence to support routine use of propranolol or other beta blockers in managing symptoms of anxiety, and they should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of overdose.

Since 1975, the 'New drugs' section of Australian Prescriber has provided succinct, independent comments about recently marketed medicines. To enhance usability, we have changed the format. Read about the changes, and how ‘New drug comments’ can be used in this editorial.

Etrasimod has an overall advantage over placebo for patients with ulcerative colitis, but few patients will have a prolonged response.

Mavacamten, a first-in-class treatment, may be capable of achieving a sustained, marked relief in symptoms of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; however, close echocardiographic monitoring is important to reduce the risk of heart failure.

Teclistamab is a new subcutaneous injection for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, with provisional approval in Australia. Initial step-up dosing with pretreatment medications is required to manage the risk of adverse effects such as cytokine release syndrome.