Purple Pen Podcast

Purple Pen Podcast
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Education and news for pharmacists, with a focus on Australian clinical pharmacy practice. Hosted by Kristin Xenos and Natalie Tasker, we provide CPD and news for pharmacists, especially those interested in Australian clinical practice. Created by Jane Booth and Dan Guidone.

  1. 2 days ago

    PPP201 - Mind the Gap: Cavities, Myths and Oral Health with Professor Ian Meyers and Geraldine Moses

    Join Professor Ian Meyers and Dr Geraldine Moses as they separate oral health fact from fiction in an engaging discussion on fluoride myths, dry mouth, toothpastes, and the products lining our pharmacy shelves. From why drinking more water may not be the only answer to managing xerostomia to the differences between stannous and sodium fluoride, they unpack the evidence behind everyday oral health advice. The conversation also explores the role of Tooth Mousse and other calcium-based products, whether toothpaste additives are worth the hype, whether clove oil still has a place in oral care, and the evidence for teething gels. With practical insights for older adults, children, cancer patients, and those with orthodontic appliances, this episode is packed with expert tips to help clinicians and consumers make informed oral health decisions.

  2. 1 Nov

    PPP 200 - Beyond Eye Pressure: A New Lens on Glaucoma with Prof Andrew White

    In this episode, Kristin speaks with Professor Andrew White, ophthalmologist at Westmead Hospital and Head of the Centre for Vision Research, about how our understanding of glaucoma has evolved and why reducing the condition to an issue of eye pressure can oversimplify a complex neurodegenerative disease. Together they explore the relationship between intraocular pressure, optic nerve damage and visual loss, challenging long-held assumptions about diagnosis, risk and disease progression. The conversation examines why glaucoma continues to threaten sight without warning, and what clinicians and patients need to understand about its often subtle presentation. Drawing on both clinical experience and emerging evidence, Professor White reflects on the changing landscape of glaucoma care, from contemporary models of diagnosis and collaborative management to the strengths and limitations of current treatment approaches. He discusses the implications of landmark research, the growing role of laser therapies, and the ongoing shift toward more personalised and proactive care. The episode offers a thoughtful look at where glaucoma management stands today and where the next decade of innovation may lead. More reading and resources:  https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2812642 https://eyewiki.org/Clinical_Trials_in_Glaucoma https://brienholdenfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AEEHS_Summary_report.pdf https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214109X26001051 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9544649/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9544649/ Recommendations | Glaucoma: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE Seonix Bio | SightScore™ | Using Genetics to Predict Glaucoma Risk

  3. 29 Oct

    PPP 199 - Celebrating 10 Years of the Purple Pen Podcast

    To celebrate a full decade on air, current hosts Kristin Xenos and Natalie Tasker are joined by the podcast's original hosts and creators, Jane Booth and Dan Guidone, for a special bonus episode. Together, the four of them look back at where it all began — the origins of Purple Pen Podcast, the philosophies that have shaped it over the years, and some of their favourite highlights along the way. Whether you've been with us since episode one or have just found the show, this is a fun, nostalgic look at how Purple Pen Podcast came to be — and where it's headed next. In this episode: How Jane and Dan first came up with the idea for the podcast The show's founding philosophy and how it's evolved Memorable moments and favorite episodes from the past 10 years Thank you for ten incredible years — here's to many more!

  4. 17 Oct

    PPP 198 - Pins, Needles, and Too Much Vitamin B6 with Angus Thompson

    In this episode we celebrate our ten‑year podcast anniversary with guest Angus Thompson, a consulting clinical pharmacist and clinical editor who works across Southern Tasmania. We open with a quick roll call of the B‑group vitamins to set the scene before shifting into the main focus of the conversation: how Vitamin B6 became a ubiquitous ingredient in sleep products, menopause supplements, energy blends, magnesium powders and everyday multivitamins. Angus explains why B6 deficiency is relatively uncommon, why it still appears in so many products, and how recommended daily intakes are exceeded in many supplements. We discuss what B6 is actually indicated for, the most common forms found in supplements, and why assumptions about "water‑soluble vitamins being harmless" have not held up in practice. The heart of the episode looks at B6 toxicity and its link to peripheral neuropathy, what symptoms clinicians should look for, how it's diagnosed, potential for long term harm, and why many patients don't realise their supplements could be contributing. We also talk through the TGA's strengthened safety controls announced in November 2025 and whether recent media coverage has helped or confused the public conversation.  Further information can be found here: Stronger safety controls to be introduced for products containing vitamin B6: https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/stronger-safety-controls-be-introduced-products-containing-vitamin-b6  Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin B6: https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8006 Peripheral Neuropathy - A Review: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2841552  Australian and New Zealand Nutrient Reference values: https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/vitamin-b6   Vitamin B6 Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/ https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2025/august/pyridoxine-toxicity-from-over-the-counter-suppleme

  5. 24 Sept

    PPP 197 - The Point of Injection with Anna Theophilos

    In this episode, Kristin sits down with Melbourne-based community pharmacist Anna Theophilos, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's inaugural Vaccination Ambassador, for a deep dive into the world of pharmacist-led injectable medicines administration. Anna brings her expertise on everything from injection technique to patient hesitancy, offering practical insight for pharmacists looking to build confidence and consistency in this growing area of practice. In this episode, Kristin and Anna discuss: The role of pharmacists and the pharmacy workforce in facilitating injectable medicines administration — whether that's giving injections directly or supporting patients to safely self-administer Where the current gaps are, and what the safety data actually tells us Addressing vaccine hesitancy and the pharmacist's role in administering vaccines and other injectables Making the most of opportunistic travel health consultations, including on-the-spot vaccination Demystifying injection technique and equipment selection — getting the medicine where it needs to go for the patient in front of you Supporting patients before and after administration The opportunity to create a more consistent vaccination experience across pharmacies nationwide Managing and preventing vaccine administration-related adverse effects Navigating vaccination schedules and planning for multiple vaccines on the same day, plus reliable (and reassuring) sources of information Approaching challenging conversations around safe injectable use by staying patient-centred, curious, and non-judgemental Connect with Anna: Follow Anna on Instagram: @thevaccinationpharmacist

  6. 12 Sept

    PPP 196 - Long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB) with Conjoint Professor Nicholas Lintzeris

    In this episode, Professor Nicholas Lintzeris joins us to discuss where LAIB fits in contemporary opioid dependence treatment, how it compares with methadone and sublingual buprenorphine, and which patients are most likely to benefit. We also explore practical aspects of initiation, dosing, administration, management of adverse effects, and common misconceptions surrounding depot buprenorphine therapy. Sublocade, will be removed from Australian markets at the end of 2026 . Made by US-based pharmaceutical company Indivior, the medication is one of two long-acting, slow-release buprenorphine injections on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for opioid dependence treatment. Buvidal, remains available on the PBS. Further reading and resources https://theconversation.com/buvidal-is-it-really-a-game-changer-in-the-treatment-of-problematic-opioid-use-214895 NSW Guideline - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/resources/Pages/laib.aspx

  7. 15 Aug

    PPP 195 - Otitis Media with Dr Evan Tseros

    In this episode, Dr Evan Tseros, Otolaryngologist, Head & Neck Surgeon, joins us to discuss the different types of otitis media, how to distinguish it from conditions such as otitis externa and eustachian tube dysfunction, and the assessment of otalgia, including important causes of referred ear pain. We also explore current management recommendations, the role of antibiotics, key red flags, and practical safety-netting advice for pharmacists.   Further reading and resources: Royal Children's Hospital https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/acute_otitis_media/ Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media with Effusion (Update) - American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) https://dontforgetthebubbles.com/otitis-media/

  8. 11 Jul

    PPP 194 – Sport and Exercise Pharmacy with Alison Hooper

    PPP 194 – Sport and Exercise Pharmacy with Alison Hooper In this episode, pharmacist and former physiotherapist Alison Hooper joins us to discuss the expanding role of pharmacists in sport, exercise, and active living We cover: How pharmacists can support movement, exercise, and sport Injury management and common sports-related conditions Managing chronic conditions in active people Exercise-induced asthma Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) WADA and anti-doping regulations Accidental doping risks from supplements RICER vs PEACE & LOVE for injury management The latest evidence on NSAIDs in sport Whether you're working with elite athletes or helping patients stay active, this episode highlights the important role pharmacists play in supporting safe participation in sport and exercise.   Further Reading and Resources Links Understanding pharmacists' engagement in sport and exercise medicine, including pharmacist-physiotherapist collaboration: A qualitative study and COM-B analysis. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667276625000344   WADA website: Raising the game for clean sport | World Anti Doping Agency WADA Prohibited List: 2025list_en_final_clean_12_september_2024.pdf Sport Integrity Australia: Protecting Sport Together | Sport Integrity Australia Sports Integrity Australia Sports Pharmacy eLearning Course: New Sports Pharmacy eLearning Course Launched Global Drug Reference Online: Global DRO - Home Sports Integrity Australia 'Check Your Substances' (links to Global DRO) Check Substances On Global DRO | Sport Integrity Australia Informed Sport (Supplement Batch Testing): Sports Supplements Certification | Informed Sport HASTA (Supplement Certification and Testing): Home - HASTA US Sports Pharmacy Group: U.S. Sports Pharmacy Group Sports Pharmacy Network: Sports Pharmacy Network

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About

Education and news for pharmacists, with a focus on Australian clinical pharmacy practice. Hosted by Kristin Xenos and Natalie Tasker, we provide CPD and news for pharmacists, especially those interested in Australian clinical practice. Created by Jane Booth and Dan Guidone.

Information

  • Creator
    Purple Pen Podcast
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Purple Pen Podcast
  • Show Website
    Purple Pen Podcast

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