CLINICAL ROLE -
How Classifying Gabapentin as Schedule V Could Help Support the Fight Against the Opioid Epidemic
Michael Abrams, MPH, PhD, senior health researcher at Public Citizen’s Health Research Group, discusses why classification of gabapentin as schedule V might be beneficial.
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Pharmacogenomics Offers New Roles, Opportunities for Pharmacists
Jamie Wilkey, PharmD, founder of PGx Consulting Confidence Academy, discussed how pharmacists are utilizing pharmacogenomics for their patients.
Three Ways to Address Clinical Burnout and Health Care Drug Diversion
While staffing challenges mean health leaders may have to shift priorities and resources, one area where we shouldn’t scale back is in our efforts to mitigate health care drug diversion.
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Expert: Rural Adults Are ‘More Likely to Be Fatalistic About Cancer, More Likely to Be Overloaded by Cancer Information’
Jakob Jensen, PhD, professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Utah and member of the Huntsman Cancer Institute, discusses how the beliefs and perceptions of cancer among adults living in rural areas compared to those of adults living in urban areas.
FDA Approves Filgrastim-ayow, First Biosimilar from Amneal
Filgrastim-ayow is indicated for the treatment of neutropenia, which is commonly experienced by patients receiving chemotherapy.
Study Examines Long-Term Post-COVID-19 Effects on Mental Health
Although biologic changes may occur in the body that affect the brain, nonbiologic changes, such as social isolation, can also be a part of it but the reasons are not completely clear, according to the study.
Tip of the Week: Patient Satisfaction is A Gateway to Bigger and Better Things
Gauging patients’ satisfaction with pharmacy services provides an opportunity perhaps for improved patient outcomes in certain situations.
Assessing Dosing for Rucaparib When Treating Patients With Ovarian Cancer
Thomasina Morris, RPh, MHA, BCOP, pharmacist at Moffitt Cancer Center, discusses how dosing for rucaparib treatment is assessed to treat patients with ovarian cancer.
Study: Evolocumab Shows a Higher Reduction in LDL-C Than Alirocumab
At week 4, there was about a 61.6% decrease for individuals with hypercholesterolemia who do not attain low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and/or are intolerant to other lipid-lowering drugs.
Children Affected by Educational Disruptions Experience Mental Health Declines
During spring to fall 2020 related visits to emergency departments declined compared with a year earlier, study results show.
FDA Approves Purdue Pharma’s Nalmefene Hydrochloride Injection to Treat Opioid Overdoses
The agency has given the greenlight to the abbreviated new drug application for the overdose-reversal medication.
Clinical Hold Placed on Trial of CAR T-Cell Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
The CAR T-cell therapy CYAD-101 was being evaluated in combination with FOLFOX followed by pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer.
Daily Medication Pearl: Rocuronium Bromide
Rocuronium bromide is indicated as an adjunct to general anesthesia and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation.
Daily OTC Pearl: Odor-Eaters
Odor-Eaters foot powder removes foot odor and offers possible wetness protection.
Pharmacists Can Improve Adherence, Counsel Patients With Breast Cancer
Lakyn Husinka, PharmD, discussed new treatment options and pharmacists' role in treating patients with breast cancer.
Low Knowledge of HIV PrEP Among Injection Drug Users
PrEP involves taking emtricitabine/tenofovir (Truvada or Descovy) to prevent high-risk individuals from contracting HIV.
Statin Intolerance is Overestimated, Over-Diagnosed for Patients at Greater Risk of Heart, Blood Vessel Problems
The researchers aimed to identify the factors that may influence the risk of statin intolerance.
Pharmacies Can Win the Reimbursement Battle and Still Lose Their Livelihood
Breadth, intensity of vertical integration keeps growing, leaving pharmacies' future role uncertain.
The Role of Erenumab (Aimovig) in Treating Episodic, Chronic Migraines
Erenumab (Aimovig) was the first anti-CGRP agent approved by the FDA for migraine prophylaxis.
Shingles Awareness Week Promotes Importance of Vaccination
Shingles can cause significant pain and, in some rare instances, can be life-threatening.
FDA Issues 3 Final Pieces of Guidance Regarding Oncology-Related Clinical Trials
The agency addresses the inclusion of older individuals in cancer-studies, the designing and conducting of multiple expansion cohorts, and the expedited development of biologics and drugs.
Keytruda Shows Hint of Major Added Benefit for Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The median survival time for individuals with SCC and treated with Merck’s pembrolizumab was 13.9 months compared with 8.8 months in the control arm.
Expert: Rural Adults Are ‘More Likely to Die of Almost Every Single Illness,’ Yet Access Disparity Continues to Run Counter to Incidence
Jakob Jensen, PhD, professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Utah and member of the Huntsman Cancer Institute, discusses rural residents’ beliefs and perceptions of cancer-related information in comparison with those of urban residents.
Daily Medication Pearl: Suvorexant (Belsomra)
Suvorexant (Belsomra) is indicated for the treatment of insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance.
Daily OTC Pearl: Ocuvite
Ocuvite treats vitamin deficiency due to poor diet, certain illnesses, or during pregnancy.
Assessing the Efficacy of Rucaparib for Treatment of Patients with Ovarian Cancer
Thomasina Morris, RPh, MHA, BCOP, pharmacist at Moffitt Cancer Center, discusses the efficacy of rucaparib for approved indications based on clinical trial results.
Turning the Corner on COVID-19
As we head into March, things appear to be looking up on the COVID-19 front.
Vaccine Fatigue, Misinformation Could Impact Flu Rates, Expert Says
Zachary Nelson, PharmD, BCIDP, BCPS, discussed the past 2 influenza seasons and how they could help predict vaccination and illness rates.
AbbVie Applies to FDA for New Ibrutinib Indication in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease
A supplemental application was also submitted for an oral suspension formulation to provide an alternative administration option for children.
Expert Discusses How The COVID-19 Pandemic Changed The Pharmacy Profession
David Zgarrick, PhD, FAPhA, professor in the department of pharmacy and health systems sciences at Northeastern University, also addresses what the future of the pharmacy profession could look like.