Pharmacist News and Research

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There are many tasks that a pharmacist is responsible for each day. Pharmacists are some of the most accessible members of the healthcare team, as individuals can seek their advice quickly and easily, even without an appointment.

Safe-weighing in 3 steps with the new Mettler Toledo white paper

Anyone who uses scales know they have limits; a small kitchen scale wouldn’t be used to weigh a watermelon, nor would a pharmacist using that same scale to dispense medication. The first example is an issue of capacity, while the second would actually risk someone’s health.

From Mettler-Toledo International Inc. 25 Jul 2017

Study analyzes exposures to medication errors resulting in serious medical outcomes

Every 21 seconds someone in the United States calls Poison Control because of a medication error. A new study from the Center for Injury Research and Policy and the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital analyzed calls to Poison Control Centers across the country over a 13-year period about exposures to medication errors which resulted in serious medical outcomes.

10 Jul 2017

Harris Health System expert offers guidance to prevent drug-induced photosensitivity

Wanting a tan or simply enjoying the outdoors during the summer can expose skin to the effects of ultraviolet rays- a problem complicated for people taking certain medications, warns a Harris Health System expert.

10 Jul 2017

New 10-minute test uses drops of blood or saliva for early detection of cancers

Researchers at Ram Group's Israeli bio-sensor division have developed a new molecular diagnostics test for early detection of cancers that takes just ten minutes and uses just a couple drops of blood or saliva.

24 Jun 2017

Shared decision-making essential to optimal treatment and quality of life for patients with MS

One of the cornerstones of multiple sclerosis treatment is shared decision-making between patients and their doctors and nurses, according to a cover article in the journal Practical Neurology.

21 Jun 2017

IsoNTech to showcase latest advances in safer, alternative nicotine products

The First International Symposium on Nicotine Technology takes place today in Warsaw, Poland. The symposium looks at new and emerging technologies in the area of nicotine delivery and will be showcasing the latest advances in alternative nicotine delivery systems, next generation devices, and the science behind them.

19 Jun 2017

New review finds massive problem of self-medication misuse in the Middle East

A new review indicates that there is a massive problem of self-medication misuse in the Middle East. The findings, which are published in Pharmacology Research & Perspectives, indicate the need for better patient and physician education, as well as improved policies that restrict sales of prescription medications without a prescription.

19 Jun 2017

Fixed-dose combination therapy for high blood pressure linked to lower health services costs

About half of patients diagnosed with high blood pressure will need their medication adjusted within the first year to address side effects or failure to control blood pressure properly.

30 May 2017

FDA approves expanded use of Zykadia for first-line treatment of ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC

Novartis today announced the US Food and Drug Administration approved the expanded use of Zykadia (ceritinib) to include the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive, as detected by an FDA-approved test.

27 May 2017

Texas A&M researchers aim to develop one drug that treats pain, memory and nicotine addiction

Although pain, memory and nicotine addiction may not seem to be related, they actually share a common player: the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

5 May 2017

Biologics prescribers collaborative releases new white paper: The State of Biosimilars Policy

The Biologics Prescribers Collaborative (BPC), a project of the Alliance for Patient Access, released a new white paper, “The State of Biosimilars Policy.” The paper is released in conjunction with a congressional briefing on Capitol Hill where experts will discuss the current biosimilars policy framework and its impact on prescribing, reimbursement and use.

3 May 2017

Intranasal administration of medications becoming more popular in emergency departments

Administering medications through the nose as an alternative to injections or IVs is becoming increasingly popular in emergency departments and ambulances, according to a paper by Loyola Medicine pharmacists.

18 Apr 2017

Parents face difficulty in choosing right allergy medication for their kids

Tulips, songbirds and itchy little eyes – all are sure signs of spring. As allergy season kicks into high gear, many parents are likely searching for over-the-counter medications to help relieve children of symptoms like sneezing, coughing and congestion.c

17 Apr 2017

JAPhA articles highlight role of pharmacists in controlling opioid crisis

Pharmacists often face serious challenges when trying to balance the needs of patients with chronic pain and preventing prescription drug misuse, abuse, and overdose.

7 Apr 2017

Shortage of low blood pressure drug for patients with septic shock linked to elevated risk of death

Patients with septic shock admitted to hospitals affected by the 2011 shortage of the drug norepinephrine had a higher risk of in-hospital death, according to a study published online by JAMA.

21 Mar 2017

Pharmacists with expanded role in patient oversight reduce hospital readmission rates, study shows

Pharmacists given an expanded role in patient oversight can reduce the likelihood of high-risk patients returning to the hospital, according to a new study that underscores a potential cost-saving solution for a growing physician shortage.

16 Mar 2017

Collaborative ‘tune up’ clinic for complex type 2 diabetes patients reduces health care costs

Diabetes cost the U.S. an estimated $245 billion in 2012, in direct medical costs and reduced productivity. Health care providers are facing increasing pressure to achieve better patient outcomes at a lower cost.

28 Feb 2017

Researchers develop new tool to help avoid adverse reactions to drugs

Researchers at the University of Liverpool, Alder Hey, University of Central Lancashire and University College London have developed a new tool to help avoid adverse reactions to medicines.

22 Feb 2017

Using common pain relievers during acute respiratory infection linked to increased heart attack risk

Widely used pain relievers may increase the risk of a heart attack when used during a cold or flu-like illness, according to a new study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

2 Feb 2017

Taking multiple medications linked to frailty in older adults

As we age, we tend to develop a number of chronic health conditions and concerns. Often, managing health problems can mean that older adults may take many different medications. When older adults take five or more medicines (a scenario called "polypharmacy" by health experts), it can increase the risk for harmful side effects.

1 Feb 2017