Broader-spectrum antibiotics over-prescribed in ambulatory settings
August 16th 2013The majority of antibiotics prescribed for adults in ambulatory care settings are broad-spectrum agents, most commonly fluoroquinolones and macrolides. These are frequently prescribed for conditions where no antibiotic therapy is needed at all, such as for bronchitis and colds, which are caused by viruses, according to a study published online July 25, 2013, in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.
Rise in mortality risk seen in hysterectomized women not using estrogen therapy
August 15th 2013A severe decline in the use of estrogen therapy (ET) due to misunderstanding the findings of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Estrogen Plus Progestin Trial has particularly affected hysterectomized women in their 50s, leading to excess mortality, according to a study published online in the American Journal of Public Health.
FDA approves third oral agent for MS
August 15th 2013Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera, Biogen Idec) oral delayed-release capsules, formerly called BG-12, was approved by the FDA on March 27, 2013 for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is the third oral drug to be recently approved for the treatment of these types of MS.
Give it your best shot: Four simple tips for vaccinators
August 15th 2013As a faculty trainer for the American Pharmacists Association’s Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery certification program and a pharmacist who offers immunizations, I have trained hundreds and vaccinated thousands of individuals. Here are some tips and experiences that will hopefully be beneficial to pharmacists in any setting who want to immunize patients.
The ethics of a “Just Culture”
August 15th 2013The primary ethical obligation of a pharmacist is to avoid harm by filling each prescription correctly. For this reason, pharmacies, pharmacy organizations, and boards of pharmacy have adopted and espoused the principles of continuous quality improvement.
HHS selects organizations to help Americans navigate Obamacare
August 15th 2013Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced $67 million in grants to 105 applicants who will train navigators to help Americans enrolling in plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace beginning this fall.
SPAARx protests rules on refill reminders, marketing
August 12th 2013The Specialty Pharmacy Association of America is concerned about the language involving refill reminders and marketing in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ newly released revisions to HIPAA concerning the HITECH Act.