PAC Session On Patient Self-Monitoring With Warfarin Therapy, Australia

Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 27 Aug 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Antithrombotic agents (anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs) are some of the most frequently prescribed medications in Australia and yet they are also often associated with adverse drug reactions.

It is common to see antithrombotics used in various combinations, and in the elderly, which further increases the risk of adverse events, a situation made even more pertinent to pharmacists with a number of new antithrombotic medications available in Australia. As part of the AACP program at this year's Pharmacy Australia Congress, a session presented by Dr Luke Bereznicki will provide some context to the appropriate use of antithrombotic agents available including some background into thrombosis and its consequences, the rationale for pharmacotherapy, appropriate drug choice and the importance of clinical monitoring.

PAC's theme this year is Securing Your Practice Advantage, and the Congress is being held at the Sydney Hilton from 15-18 October.

Dr Bereznicki's presentation will look at the subject of patient self-monitoring (PSM) of warfarin therapy which has emerged as the gold standard of care for those willing and able to perform it.

Dr Bereznicki says the benefits of PSM have now been well established in several countries and include a greater proportion of time spent in the INR therapeutic range, a reduction in the number of haemorrhagic and thromboembolic events, reduced mortality, improved warfarin knowledge and improved quality of life.

He explains that portable INR monitors are readily available and are becoming less expensive and easier to use. Community pharmacists are well placed to promote and facilitate PSM for interested consumers, and provide support for those who are selfmonitoring.

Dr Bereznicki is currently a lecturer at the Tasmanian School of Pharmacy. He is part of a pharmacy-practice research group, UMORE, and writes regularly for a range of pharmacy industry publications. He is also a practicing pharmacist and regularly works in retail pharmacy and performs medication reviews. Dr Bereznicki was the PSA Young Pharmacist of the Year in 2008.

PAC organisers advise that registrations for the Congress should be made as soon as possible as places at some sessions are limited.

Source
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

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