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This month, we’re celebrating two huge wins and they’re all thanks to you!

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Your support means the world, and it’s proof that we’re building something truly valuable for the future of pharmacy in Australia.

AHPRA Oral Exam: October is Coming

If you’re sitting the AHPRA Oral Exam in October, now is the time to start targeted preparation, not “just revising content,” but actively rehearsing the style of questions you’ll face.

Here’s a practice case to get you thinking:

📄 Case Scenario (Section 3 – Problem Solving & Communication)
A 58-year-old patient presents with a prescription for warfarin 5mg daily. Their INR today is 4.2. They are asymptomatic and mention they have recently started an over-the-counter herbal product for joint pain.

The prescription was issued 3 weeks ago, with 2 repeats remaining.

Your Task:

• Identify any issues with dispensing this script.

• Explain the steps you would take.

• Communicate this clearly to the patient and the prescriber.

💡 How to Break Down Your Answer

Step 1: Identify the Clinical Issue

• INR 4.2 is above the target range (usually 2–3 for most indications).

• Increased bleeding risk: urgent review required.

• Herbal product could be interacting with warfarin (e.g., ginkgo, garlic, ginger, etc.).

Step 2: Legal & Professional Considerations

• Do not dispense until dose and INR are confirmed with prescriber.

• Document all communications as per Pharmacy Board of Australia Guidelines and Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary (APF).

Step 3: Communication

• With Patient: Explain INR result, potential interaction, and need for prescriber review. Use clear, jargon-free language.

• With Prescriber: Provide relevant details (patient INR, OTC/herbal use, current prescription) and recommend review before next dose.

Step 4: References to Support Your Answer

• APF 25: Oral anticoagulants, drug interactions, patient counselling.

• Therapeutic Guidelines: Cardiovascular – Anticoagulation.

• PBS & state legislation for dispensing requirements.

⏳ Time Management & Stress Reduction Tips for Exam Day

1. Practice out loud : The oral exam isn’t about what you know but how you communicate it.

2. Use a structure :e.g., Identify → Assess → Act → Refer → Document.

3. Simulate exam pressure : Time yourself answering random practice questions.

4. Know your resources: Be familiar with where to find key information in APF and TGA guidelines.

5. On the day: Arrive early, hydrate, and take 3 deep breaths before each scenario. Your mindset can make or break your performance.

Listening!

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That’s it for this week.

We’re just getting started. Let’s raise the bar for pharmacy, together.

Gus