Purple Pen Podcast

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

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

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

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/

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