ASHP calls for adequate pharmacist representation on state boards of pharmacy
July 9th 2015Last month, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) approved a policy that calls for adequate pharmacist representation on state boards of pharmacy by pharmacists from various practice settings, including hospitals, health systems, clinics, and nontraditional settings, to ensure proper oversight to protect public health.
Hospital discharge service by pharmacists cuts COPD readmission rates
July 9th 2015Patients hospitalized for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at high risk for 30- and 60-day readmissions. In 2008, the mean 60-day admission rate following an emergency department visit of COPD patients was 18% and the mean readmission rate was more than 30%.
FDA approves promising heart failure treatment
July 8th 2015FDA approved sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto, Novartis), an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), a first-in-class drug for heart failure. It is indicated for patients whose condition is classified NYHA class II-IV, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization.
ISMP calls for elimination of dosage cups with multiple scales
July 6th 2015The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) issued a warning in June to stop using dosing cups for liquid medicine that are embossed with scales for drams, ounces, teaspoon, and tablespoon measures. These measurement scales can be easily confused with the milliliter dosing scales.
Pharmacy groups request more time to comply with track/trace requirements
June 19th 2015The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the American Pharmacists Association, the National Community Pharmacists Association, and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations have asked the FDA to allow more time for pharmacists to comply with the track and trace requirements for “dispensers.”