Generic shortages complicating pharmacists’ duties
March 20th 2015As healthcare facilities across the nation deal with shortages of certain drugs, including generics, pharmacists and pharmacy managers are tasked with the daily monitoring of drug supplies and increased communications with other healthcare professionals such as nurses and physicians.
FDA approves cholic acid for bile acid synthesis disorders
March 20th 2015FDA has approved cholic acid (Cholbam), a once-daily treatment for pediatric and adult patients who have bile acid synthesis disorders due to single enzyme defects. It is also approved as an adjunct to standard care for patients with peroxisomal disorders, such as Zellweger spectrum disorders.
More than 40% of physicians not using Rx monitoring sites
March 20th 2015Most primary care physicians are aware of prescription drug monitoring programs (PMPs) designed to prevent doctor shopping, but more than four out of 10 are not using them, according to a survey published in the March issue of Health Affairs.
Pharmacies should plan to become compliant with USP 800 for hazardous drug handling
March 17th 2015Patricia C. Kienle, RPh, director of accreditation and medication safety for Cardinal Health Innovative Delivery Solutions, is urging pharmacies to begin planning to become compliant with requirements for handling hazardous drugs, specified in the United States Pharmacopeia’s (USP) draft chapter 800.