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New appointments strengthen bone and joint research
The University of Sydney is Australia’s first university and has an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. It employs over 7500 permanent staff supporting over 49,000 students. Arthritis Australia’s mission is to bring quality of life to all people with arthritis and eliminate their suffering. Its vision is to radically restrict the rate of growth of arthritis in Australia and to be a leader in funding and advocating world-class research.
The chance of relief from common but crippling forms of joint diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis has been boosted with the establishment of a second Chair in the field of rheumatology at the University of Sydney. Arthritis specialist and Professor of Medicine David Hunter, has been appointed Florance and Cope Chair of Rheumatology while fellow joint and bone expert Professor Lyn March will assume the role of the newly formed Liggins Chair of Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Epidemiology. The Florance and Cope Chair of Rheumatology was formed almost 30 years ago and has been instrumental in advancing research and education in musculoskeletal sciences.
Interactions between grapefruit and medicines
NPS Medicine Wise has published new information about interactions between grapefruit and medicinesthat provides tips to help people avoid any harmful effects. “Grapefruit juice interacts with several common medicines, making them work too strongly or causing side effects,” says Dr Boyden. “Being medicine wise when it comes to grapefruit interactions is particularly important because of the large and varied list of medicines that could interact.” “The list includes some commonly prescribed medications including some statins (cholesterol-lowering medicines), some types of medicines for heart conditions and high blood pressure as well as medicines that people may be taking only for a short period of time such as some antimalarial medicines, antibiotics and cough and cold medicines.” An indicative list of the affected medicines is available on the NPS website. People taking these medicinesare advised not to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at all, because even one glass of juice can have an effect. Interactions can occur even when the grapefruit or juice is eaten or drunk at a different time to taking the medicine. Dr Boyden says that people taking medicines who want to consume grapefruit are encouraged to talk with their doctor or pharmacist or call the NPS Medicines Line. Over-the-counter and complementary medicines (such as herbs and nutritional supplements) might also interact with grapefruit juice, not just prescription medicines.
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