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Matters Arising

Specialist societies can assist

Leon A Bach
MJA 2007; 186 (9): 483

To the Editor: On behalf of the Endocrine Society of Australia, I would like to endorse the views expressed by Stockigt that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved information sources for thyroid-related medications are outdated.1 His examples are compelling evidence that statements within product information (PI) sources are inconsistent with current practice. The consequences of these statements range from confusing to potentially dangerous.

The current process for updating PI appears to exclude expert advice from specialist practitioners who are most likely to be aware of recent developments regarding the use of medications specific to their practice. In most areas of medicine, specialist societies representing these practitioners provide an excellent potential “first port of call” for the TGA and suppliers to source expert, evidence-based assistance in updating PI. Certainly, the Endocrine Society of Australia is willing to act in this capacity for endocrine-related drugs, and I would be very surprised if this were not the case for other specialist societies.

In summary, a partnership between all parties involved in the provision of quality care is needed to ensure that PI is contemporary and accurate.

Leon A Bach, Professor

Department of Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC.

Leon.BachATmed.monash.edu.au

  1. Stockigt JR. Barriers in the quest for quality drug information: salutary lessons from TGA-approved sources for thyroid-related medications. Med J Aust 2007; 186: 76-79. <eMJA full text> <PubMed>

(Received 12 Feb 2007, accepted 1 Mar 2007)


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©The Medical Journal of Australia 2007 www.mja.com.au PRINT ISSN: 0025-729X ONLINE ISSN: 1326-5377