Click on the links below for more information about pharmaceutical misuse/dependence, training, legislation changes and support for GPs. You can also call us on 1800 931 101 or 9081 3080 for more information and advice.
You can find a downloadable copy of our brochure here. The MSRS has Nurse Practitioners on staff. They are registered nurses who provide high levels of clinically focused nursing care, and can prescribe pharmacotherapy. Find out more here.SAFE SCRIPT INFORMATION
The Victorian Alliance PHN has developed a hub for SafeScript. It includes information, training and referral pathways. It can be found here.DACAS (DRUG & ALCOHOL CLINICAL ADVISORY SERVICE)
GPs and other health professionals in Victoria can phone DACAS for 24 hour clinical support, advice and secondary consultation from specialist addiction medicine consultants. Phone 1800 812 804 to speak to an addiction medicine consultant, or visit the DACAS website here for more information.AREA 4 PHARMACOTHERAPY NETWORK (EAST & SOUTH EAST REGION)
The Area 4 Pharmacotherapy Network (A4PN) is funded by EMPHN and SEMPHN to improve access to pharmacotherapy in Eastern and South Eastern Melbourne. A4PN provide training, peer-based mentoring and addiction medicine consultations to support GPs in the management of patients with opioid dependence. Click here to access resources, information and details of upcoming training events for GPs by the A4PN.PHARMACOTHERAPY
The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website here has detailed information about pharmacotherapy treatment in Victoria, including relevant policies, guidelines and training opportunities. The RACGP provide accredited training for GPs in Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD) which GPs can access for free here.CODEINE RESCHEDULING
On 1 February 2018, codeine will be rescheduled to a Schedule 4 drug in Australia. ScriptWise have created an online toolkit for GPs with information and resources to support this change. You can access the toolkit here. For more information about codeine rescheduling, click here to visit the TGA website. More information can also be found here.REAL TIME PRESCRIPTION MONITORING
From April 2020, it is now mandatory for prescribers to check SafeScript (real-time prescription monitoring service) prior to writing or dispensing a prescription for medicines monitored through the system. For more information and the latest updates, visit the DHHS website here or click on the links below:- For Prescribers and Pharmacists
- Medicines monitored in SafeScript
- SafeScript: FAQ for patients and families
- SafeScript GP Clinical Advisory Service
NALOXONE
Click here to visit the COPE (Community Overdose Prevention and Education) website at the Pennington Institute to find out about ‘Overdose First Aid’. For information about naloxone, click here to visit the Penington Institute website page and access more of their helpful videos. You can also download these naloxone fact sheets which can be given to patients:RISKS OF MEDICATION USE
Find out more about the risks of taking medication and why opioid medication may not be the best treatment for chronic pain by clicking on the links below.- What is Pharmaceutical Misuse? (Alcohol and Drug Foundation)
- Feeling Better Without Medication (Alcohol and Drug Foundation)
- Risks of High Dose Opioid Medicines (NPS MedicineWise)
USEFUL WEBSITES & VIDEOS
Turn to Help: Information about codeine and painkiller dependence and different types of treatment options. ScriptWise: ScriptWise are a not-for-profit Australian organisation who are dedicated to reducing overdose and other harms from prescription and over-the-counter medications. COPE Australia: Community Overdose Prevention and Education (COPE) is a community-based opioid overdose prevention initiative funded by the Victorian Government. Tame the Beast [Video] A video about Chronic Pain. Understanding Pain in Less than 5 minutes [Video]Not in the East or North East of Melbourne? Click Here.