Kingsdene Pharmacy

14/03/2026

Goodbye Gold Coast! APP 2026 comes to a close after 3 days. It’s the largest pharmacy conference in the southern hemisphere, bringing together over 7500 proprietors, pharmacists, interns, students, pharmacy assistants and industry professionals for networking, upskilling and professional development each year.

A standout session for me was listening to Olympian and now Dr Jana Pittman on her inspirational journey from Olympic hurdler and bobsledder to her work in obstetrics and gynaecology. Also exciting was the health minister’s announcement about the introduction of a national women’s health prescribing trial. This initiative will expand safe, affordable access to essential care, enabling Australian women to visit their community pharmacy for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections and access to hormonal contraception.

There are lots of exciting times ahead in community pharmacy as pharmacists continue their journey to full scope of practice!!!

05/02/2026

February marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women in Australia, with about 1,400 women diagnosed each year. Sadly, survival rates are still low — only 44 per cent of women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive for five years.

Ovarian cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages, which means the cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it can be even more difficult to treat successfully.

How to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer?
*Being aware of the signs and symptoms
*Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
*Maintaining a healthy body weight

Symptoms of ovarian cancer:
*Pressure, pain or discomfort in the abdomen or pelvis
*A swollen or bloated abdomen
*Changes in appetite, such as not feeling like eating, or feeling full quickly
*Changes in toilet habits (e.g. constipation, diarrhoea, passing urine more often, increased wind)
*Indigestion and feeling sick (nausea)
*Feeling very tired
*Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
*Changes in the pattern of periods, or vaginal bleeding after menopause
*Pain during s*x

16/01/2026

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix and is one of the most preventable cancers. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, which can be detected by doing the Cervical Screening Test.

All people with a cervix aged between 25 and 74 are reminded to have a cervical screening test every 5 years. (instead of the old Pap Smear test every 2 years) You can now self-collect your Cervical Screening Test sample if you feel more comfortable with this option. Talk to your healthcare provider or learn more about the test here: www.cancer.org.au/cervicalscreening/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-the-test

Reference: Cancer Council

14/01/2026

Meet Carla!
If you've popped in on Thursday end of last year, you may have already seen her around! 😁

As an intern pharmacist, Carla is eager to build her skills in community pharmacy. It's not just about medicine knowledge, but also about connecting with the people in our community.

Let's get to know Carla-
Q. What inspired you to choose pharmacy?
I was inspired to choose pharmacy because it combines my interest in science with the opportunity to improve people's lives. 🥼⚕️

Q. What do you hope to bring to the team at Kingsdene Pharmacy?
I hope to bring a positive attitude, strong teamwork skills and willingness to learn. 📝📚🙆🏻‍♀️

Q. What's your favourite food?
Sushi 🍙🍣🍱🥢

Q. What do you like to do in your down time?
Spend time with my nieces and nephew😊

01/01/2026

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!!!🥳 Athena, Pauline and the team at Kingsdene Pharmacy look forward to working alongside you in improving and supporting your health and medication management in 2026.

From 1st January 2026, Australians will pay no more than $25 for PBS medicines, the lowest in 20 years! This milestone was achieved through the Affordable Medicines Now campaign and the incredible advocacy of 20+ health and patient voices.

See below for 2026 PBS Safety Net Details:
Patient Co-payment:
General $25.00 (reduced from $31.60)
Concessional $7.70 (same as 2025)

Safety Net Threshold:
General $1748.20 (increased by $54.20)
Concessional $277.20 (same as 2025)

19/12/2025

Athena, Pauline and the staff at Kingsdene Pharmacy wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! (we will be closed the Public Holidays and Sundays)

05/12/2025

⚠️Do you receive a 6-monthly injection for osteoporosis?

The TGA has recently updated their warnings for fracture risk after discontinuation of denosumab (Prolia and biosimilars). There is increased risk for multiple spinal fractures if treatment is stopped or delayed.

Do not stop your injection or post-pone your appointment without speaking to your doctor. If treatment needs to be discontinued, your doctor may switch you to another therapy to maintain bone protection.

Please talk to Pauline or Athena if you have any concerns about your injection.

For more information. Please go to:
https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/safety-monitoring-and-information/safety-alerts/strengthened-warnings-fracture-risk-after-discontinuation-denosumab-prolia-and-biosimilars?fbclid=IwY2xjawOfYONleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaeVF4TTYzMFhyQjVPMkQ2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHliF0xj_q5chsa3C0dt-NhIMv62giIQ3hEMd02rbccsUgLMvnhta6r8BrN4c_aem_0oBb-rpPi0_5Tiil5FUe7A

The safety information for denosumab products used to treat osteoporosis has been updated to strengthen the existing warning for multiple spinal fractures after discontinuation or delay of treatment.

14/11/2025

November 14 marks World Diabetes Day (WDD), the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1921.

The theme for WDD 2025 is "Diabetes in the "Workplace".

Did you know?
*589 million people are living with diabetes worldwide, and 7 in 10 are of working age
*Close to 50% of diabetes is undiagnosed
*3 in 4 people living with diabetes surveyed by the International Diabetes Federation have experienced anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition because of their diabetes

Please speak to Athena or Pauline if you would like to book a diabetes medscheck or if you would like any information about Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

02/10/2025

10/09/2025

Today is R U Ok? Day!
reminds us that a simple conversation can make a powerful difference. It's a reminder to check in with the people we care about and also ourselves. Whether it’s a friend, family member or colleague, asking ‘R U OK?’ any day could change someone’s life.

06/09/2025

Wishing a Happy Father's Day to our amazing dads, grandfathers and great-grandfathers this weekend ❤️

02/09/2025

This week is Asthma Week (September 1-7)!!!!

Asthma is one of the leading causes of children ending up in hospital. New research by Asthma Australia shows that while most parents feel like they are confident in managing their child’s asthma, nearly two thirds live in constant fear of an asthma attack.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. A daily preventer can help keep your child's asthma under control, reducing the chance of an attack.
This means less time feeling sick or in the hospital and more time for them to just be a kid. Instead of waiting for symptoms like wheezing or difficulty breathing, use a preventer every day to help your child breathe normally.

Please speak to Pauline or Athena if you have any questions about your asthma inhaler or would like to review your inhaler technique.

Reference: Asthma Australia