January 2010 Aging Population

Dispensing errors can be costly for the pharmacist as well as potentially dangerous for the patient. Pharmacists can take simple steps to help eliminate this problem.

Patients learn what OTC items to have in their medicine cabinets, and how to dispose of old medications safely.

Manufacturers are preparing to expand the use of hyaluronate products to treat osteoarthritis, including a one-time injection that has been successful in Europe.

The FDA has approved Valturna (aliskiren/valsartan) to treat hypertension.

Pharmacy technicians play a major role in helping prevent medication errors-our columnist presents strategies to foster communication and prevent errors from occurring.

Identification of aliskiren's role in the management of hypertension has been the focus of several clinical trials which have demonstrated its effectiveness in blood pressure reduction with few side effects.

Combination therapy is a frequently prescribed treatment for various medical conditions; however, problems can arise without thorough monitoring. Pharmacists can be instrumental in ensuring that combination drug therapy is used appropriately.

With her focus firmly on patient care, Timmellyn Buchanan strives to be a pharmacist who counsels the underserved.

Quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, has become one of the most widely prescribed psychiatric medications in the United States; several reminders are presented here to ensure safe use of the drug.

Many individuals can meet their nutritional needs through diet alone; however, some may find it difficult to do so and consider using a multivitamin/multimineral supplement.

Daily intake of an adequate amount of dietary fiber is the most common recommendation for the prevention and treatment of constipation, and has an important role in the maintenance of normal bowel function.

The increase in major trafficking in prescription drugs nationwide has spawned a new way to capture illicit drug dealers and curb illegal traffic in pharmaceuticals.

A veterinary pharmacy and 4 veterinarians are sued for the death of 2 cats in a New England case that focuses on noneconomic loss and negligent infliction of emotional stress.

Older Americans are disproportionately affected by involuntary wight loss, and assessing it should be as routine as monitoring other vital signs.

Vaccine-preventable diseases kill more Americans than breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, or traffic accidents. Pharmacists are in a unique position to counsel patients about vaccines and administer them to target groups.

Who in the health profession should take ownership of the adherence problem? The problem is a complex one with studies that support the significant role the pharmacist can offer.

Anxiety disorders affect 40 million American adults annually, often co-occurring with other medical and psychiatric disorders. The most common disorders are described here.