Matters arising

Endocrinology Pharmacology
Volume 186 - Issue 9

Specialist societies can assist

Author:  Leon A Bach

Med J Aust 2007; 186 (9): 483. || doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2007.tb01006.x
Published online: 7 May 2007
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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that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved information sources for thyroid-related medications are outdated.1 His examples are compelling evidence that statements within product information (PI) sources are inconsistent with current practice.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.

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