Lyrica®: Filling a pain fap or emerging threat? Penington institute recently hosted a public information forum with experts speakers discussing pregabalin (sold as Lyrica®). Subsidised as an antiepileptic and to treat neuropathic pain, prescriptions rates have increased dramatically in recent years, along with reports of harms relating to use. Dr Shaun Greene (Austin Health) Dr Rose Crossin (Penington Institute) and [...]
One of the most urgent public health issues facing the new government will be Australia’s dependence on prescription opioids, independent drug research, policy and education organisation Melbourne-based Penington Institute, said today. Figures just released by the London-based Global Survey on Drugs show that the use of prescription opioids in the last year was highest in Australia (30%) – exceeding both [...]
Use of pregabalin (sold as Lyrica®) has skyrocketed in recent years. Anecdotal reports indicate problematic use is becoming more common including amongst people who inject drugs. In Australia, pregabalin is a commonly prescribed medicine, subsidised as an anti-epileptic and to treat neuropathic pain. It is often prescribed for the treatment of other conditions including musculoskeletal pain and generalised anxiety disorder. [...]
Leading independent drug research, policy and education organisation, Penington Institute, has today celebrated the public health achievements of Australia’s 23rd Prime Minister the Hon RJL Hawke AC GCL on the occasion of his passing. Penington Institute CEO John Ryan said that Bob Hawke can be thanked for many aspects of the health of Australians today. “Bob Hawke and his governments [...]
Leading independent drug research, policy and education organisation, Penington Institute, has welcomed today’s (27 February) announcement by the Commonwealth Government that it will fund a $7.2 million trial of naloxone access, the lifesaving drug capable of reversing opioid overdose. […]
Penington Institute has launched its 2018 Annual Review, which is now available online. […]
More than 100 drug and health specialists, along with members of the public will hear experts debate the evidence for and against pill testing in Melbourne on Friday (8 February 2019). […]
Pill testing - Lifesaver or false comfort? Should pill testing be trialled at music festivals? Can you ever tell whether a pill is safe? Could pill testing save lives? Following a series of tragic deaths at music festivals this summer there is widespread debate about whether states and territories should allow pill testing. Supporters say it will save lives, while [...]
Australia’s leading independent drug research, policy and education organisation, Penington Institute, has today (2 November) welcomed the launch of ‘We all pay the price’ – a ground-breaking report on the health and social harms caused by current drug policies. […]
Australia’s leading independent drug research, policy and education organisation, Penington Institute, has welcomed the Andrews Labor Government’s proposed Royal Commission into Mental Health, should it be returned in the November state election. […]