Emergency room physicians, pharmacists, and other emergency department staff are accurate to within 10% when assessing which of their patients may be drug seekers. These physicians utilize a computerized state prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) to determine which patients may be in the emergency room in the hopes of being prescribed opiates by an overburdened […]
Child safety packaging on medication has been commonplace for years in the United States. It prevents thousands of overdoses and deaths annually. The Poison Control Center receives an average of 500,000 calls a year after children have accidentally ingested medication. Studies also report that the number of children making trips to the emergency room due […]
July is UV Safety Month, and pharmacists can help make a difference in the lives of their clients with some simple tools and resources to help raise awareness. Pharmacists can get in touch with their local school district to meet with teachers on the importance of instructing students about the dangers of UV rays. Administrators […]
Recently passed legislation makes the Plan B emergency contraception drug (levonorgestrel) available over the counter without an age restriction placed on it. Based on a letter sent to the court by the drug’s manufacturer on June 10, the FDA will approve a request from Teva Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Plan B One-Step, for the subsequent […]
Scientists have discovered a breakthrough in what causes Alzheimer’s. They have identified a molecule that triggers a chain reaction of protein build up that eventually kills brain cells. Addressing the cause of Alzheimer’s down to the scientific level is the first step toward developing a cure for the disease, enabling medical practitioners to eventually create […]
The costs of health care are rising at an exponential rate. Even though employers offer health insurance, the cost of services and benefits continues to rise. Those who have insurance through their employer find themselves facing a 6.2% increase in costs–up to $22,030 a year out of pocket. Employers are pushing more costs onto their […]
The FDA announced on May 10 that it has approved the Breo Ellipta inhaler, which contains a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) vilanterol in combination with fluticasone furoate, for use in adults with COPD. This product is marketed by Glaxxo Smith Kline and Theravance, and offers an alternative to other variations of inhaler treatment on the […]
