tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9678296429367654812024-03-05T02:50:49.112-06:00Getting the most from your medicationsA resource to provide helpful information on getting the most from your medications. Edited by medication experts. Topics include medication safety, drug use policy, preventing medication errors, and maximizing the effectiveness of your medications.Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-54600168797493400872010-10-02T22:18:00.000-05:002010-10-02T22:19:53.809-05:00Thyroid Shortage Resolved<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><ul style="list-style-type: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><li style="background-image: url(http://www.ashp.org/styles/images/bullet_1.gif); padding-left: 30px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 3px; background-position: 17px 2px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Forest has Armour Thyroid 1/4 grain (NDC 00456-0457-01), 1/2 grain (NDC 00456-0458-63), 1 grain (NDC 00456-0459-63), 1 1/2 grain (NDC 00456-0460-01), 2 grain (NDC 00456-0461-63)<span style="background-color: yellow; "><span><span></span></span></span><span><span>, 3 grain (NDC 00456-0462-01), 4 grain (NDC 00456-0463-01, and 5 grain (NDC 00456-0464-01) 100 count presentations readily available.1</span></span><sup><a href="http://drugshortage/editPost.aspx#ref" style="color: rgb(36, 85, 160); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></a></sup></li><li style="background-image: url(http://www.ashp.org/styles/images/bullet_1.gif); padding-left: 30px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 3px; background-position: 17px 2px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">RLC has available Nature-Throid<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> 1/4 grain 100 count (NDC 64727-3298-01) and 1000 count (NDC 64727-3298-02), 1/2 grain 100 count (NDC 64727-3299-01) and 1000 count (</span>NDC 64727-3299-02), 1 grain 100 count (NDC 64727-3300-01) and 1000 count (NDC 64727-3300-02), 1 1/2 grain 100 count (NDC 64727-33-05-01) and 1000 count (NDC 64727-3305-02), 2 grain 100 count (NDC 64727-3308-01) and 1000 count (NDC 64727-3308-02), and 3 grain 100 count (NDC 64727-3312-01) and 1000 count (NDC 64727-3312-02) tablets.<span><span> Newly available presentations include 4 grain 100 count (NDC 64727-3320-01) and 1000 count (NDC 64727-3320-02), and 5 grain 100 count (NDC 64727-3340-01) and 1000 count (NDC 64727-3340-02.</span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 0); "></span><sup><a href="http://drugshortage/editPost.aspx#ref" style="color: rgb(36, 85, 160); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">2</a></sup></li><li style="background-image: url(http://www.ashp.org/styles/images/bullet_1.gif); padding-left: 30px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 3px; background-position: 17px 2px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">RLC also has available Westhroid 1/2 grain tablets in 100 count (NDC 64727-7070-01) and 1000 count (NDC 64727-7070-02) presentations, 1 grain tablets <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">in 100 count (NDC 64727-7073-01) and 1000 count (NDC 64727-7073-02) presentations, and 2 grain tablets in 100 count (NDC 64727-7080-01) and 1000 count (NDC 64727-7080-02) presentations</span>.<sup><a href="http://drugshortage/editPost.aspx#ref" style="color: rgb(36, 85, 160); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">2</a></sup></li></ul></span>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-29340201872150704312009-09-15T20:48:00.003-05:002009-09-15T21:15:38.202-05:00Why must prasugrel (Effient) be stored in the original bottle?Prasugrel (Effient) is a new platelet inhibitor manufactured by Eli Lilly. During the review process by the FDA it was discovered that the base form of the medication was not as well absorbed by patients on proton-pump inhibitors or H2 antagonists (both increase the gastric PH). So the company developed a salt form of the medication prasugrel HCL which is better absorbed at high PH. <div><br /></div><div>In addition, the company discovered during the quality control process of their manufacturing that a reaction occurs (strongly correlated with temperature and high humidity) that drug degrades from the salt form to the base form. Analysis was completed it was found that the Cmax is delayed, when the base form is administered in patients with high PH, which theoretically could have clinical significance as it delays the time of maximal platelet inhibition. No clinical significance of the conversion from salt to base was described in analysis submitted to the FDA in terms of outcomes from the clinical trials. Even in situations of high conversion to the base, and high PH, the pharmacodynamic effects of prasugrel were superior to clopidogrel. </div><div><br /></div><div>This type of manufacturing quality control examination has not occurred with all medications and the extent of conversion from salt to base forms for other medications is unknown. The company has packed the medication to minimize the potential impact of the conversion of salt to base by recommending storage in the original bottle and the addition of a desiccant to control humidity.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>It is currently available as 5mg tablets (bottles of 7 and 30) and 10mg tablets (bottles of 30 and unit-dose blisters 90). This leads to challenges for hospitals that dispense medications in unit-dose tablets as the 5mg tablets are not available in a unit-dose formulation. This has implications for patient safety as the manufacturer currently recommends against repackaging their product. Pharmacists are awaiting the release of a 5mg unit dose product or clarification from the company about repackaging.</div></div>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-26917180220574096082009-09-10T23:00:00.002-05:002009-09-10T23:08:31.275-05:00How do I take suboxone?Suboxone enters the bloodstream under the tongue. <div><br /></div><div>To help get the best adsorption into the blood you should take the following steps:<div><br /></div><div>1. Drink some water to moisten your mouth... it will help the tablets dissolve more easily</div><div>2. Place the tablet under your tongue, if your dose is two tablets place one tablet on the left side and one on the right side (a mirror may help with the placement), and lean your head slightly forward.</div><div>3. Do not dissolve more than 2 tablets at a time, if your prescribed dose is more than 2 tablets, dissolve 2 tablets first and put the next tablets in after the first tablets have completely dissolved.</div><div>4. It will take about 5 to 10 minutes for the tablets to dissolve.</div><div>5. DO NOT chew or swallow the tablets, DO NOT talk while the tablets dissolve, as you will not get the correct dose and it will not work as well.</div></div>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-44829527337960827362009-09-10T22:49:00.003-05:002009-09-10T23:00:00.272-05:00What are the side effects of suboxone?Suboxone is used for the treatment of addiction to opioids (drugs like morphine, heroin, oxycodone). The side effects caused by the medication are difficult to discern from side effects commonly seen with the use of opioids and symptoms of withdrawal. <div><br /></div><div>The most commonly reported side effects with the use of this medication in clinical trials were: headache, withdrawal syndrome, pain, nausea, constipation, insomnia, hypotension (low blood pressure), and dizziness. </div>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-44039069510830289512009-09-04T23:30:00.005-05:002009-09-04T23:41:10.981-05:00Important safety information about TREN-Xtreme, MASS Xtreme, ESTRO Xtreme, AH-89-Xtreme, HMG Xtreme, MMA-3 Xtreme, VNS-9 Xtreme, and TT-44-Xtreme<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(72, 65, 56); "><p style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Important safety information has been released by the FDA that the following products: TREN-Xtreme, MASS Xtreme, ESTRO Xtreme, AH-89-Xtreme, HMG Xtreme, MMA-3 Xtreme, VNS-9 Xtreme, and TT-40-Xtreme contain steroids. </span></span></p><p style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Serious adverse events are associated with the use of these products and other similar products include: liver injury, stroke, kidney failure and pulmonary embolism (blockage of an artery in the lung). It is recommended that you immediately stop using all body building products that claim to contain steroids or steroid-like substances. Consult a health care professional if you are experiencing symptoms possibly associated with these products, particularly nausea, weakness or fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) or brown/discolored urine. </span></span></p><p style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This type of misbranding (including ingredients in a product that are not listed on the label) is common among dietary supplements. One hypothesis for some professional athletes (e.g. major league baseball players) testing positive for steroids is the use of dietary supplements such as these that contain steroids not listed on the label. </span></span></p><p style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p></span>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-67725614649404819152009-09-04T23:11:00.003-05:002009-09-04T23:17:02.688-05:00Saftey Alert Leukotriene Inhibitors: Montelukast (Singulair), Zafirlukast (Accolate), Zileuton (Zyflo and Zyflo CR)The FDA has <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(72, 65, 56); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">provided healthcare professionals with updated information about the ongoing safety review for the leukotriene inhibitors, montelukast, zafirlukast and zileuton. Neuropsychiatric events have been reported in some patients taking montelukast (Singulair), zafirlukast (Accolate), and zileuton (Zyflo and Zyflo CR). FDA has requested that manufacturers include a precaution in the drug prescribing information. The reported neuropsychiatric events include postmarket cases of agitation, aggression, anxiousness, dream abnormalities and hallucinations, depression, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, suicidal thinking and behavior (including suicide), and tremor. </span></span><ul style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://www.fda.gov/ucm/groups/fdagov-public/@system/documents/system/img_fdagov_orangebullet.gif); border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><li style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Patients and healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential for neuropsychiatric events with these medications.</span></span></li><li style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Patients should talk with their healthcare providers if these events occur.</span></span></li><li style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Healthcare professionals should consider discontinuing these medications if patients develop neuropsychiatric symptoms.</span></span></li></ul></span>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-14607910241911483602009-09-02T23:05:00.004-05:002009-09-02T23:28:44.594-05:00Update - Why is there a shortage of desiccated thyroid (e.g. Armour thyroid, Thyroid (dessicated), Nature-Throid, Westhroid, Thyrolar))The tincture of time has not helped to resolve the shortage. In fact, since my last post, the shortage has worsened leaving patients with few options to manage diseases of low thyroid. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><h4 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: italic; "><span id="DrugShortageBulletins_hdrReason"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia"><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#CC0000">Reason for the Shortage</font></font></span></span></span></span></span></h4><ul style="list-style-type: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><li><span><span><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Several thyroid (desiccated) products have been discontinued. The manufacturers would not provide a reason for the discontinuations; however these products are not FDA-approved. Forest states that the shortage of Armour Thyroid is due to a shortage of raw material. Major and RLC will not provide a reason for the shortage.</span></font></span></span></li><li style="background-image: url(http://www.ashp.org/styles/images/bullet_1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; padding-left: 30px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 3px; background-position: 17px 2px; "></li></ul><p style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; line-height: 17px; "></p><h4 style="font-size: 12px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(36, 85, 160); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-style: italic; "><span id="DrugShortageBulletins_hdrResupply"></span></h4><span><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia"><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#CC0000">Estimated Resupply Dates</font></font></span></i></span></span></span></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></font></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><span><span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia">Major has all strengths on back order and the company cannot estimate a release date. </font></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></font></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><span><span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia">Forest has available Armour Thyroid 240 mg and 300 mg tablets. All other strengths are on back order and the company cannot estimate a release date. </font></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></font></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><span><span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia">RLC has all presentations of Nature-Throid on back order and the company estimates a release date of early-December, 2009. </font></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></font></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><span><span><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia">RLC also has all presentations of Westhroid on back order and the company estimates a release date of early-December, 2009.</font></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></font></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#CC0000">Products in short supply</font></span></i></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#CC0000"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></font></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia">T</font><span><span><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia">hyroid (desiccated) 120 mg tablets, Major - discontinued<br />Thyroid (desiccated) 30 mg tablets, Major<br />Thyroid (desiccated) 30 mg tablets, Major<br />Thyroid (desiccated) 60 mg tablets, Major<br />Thyroid (desiccated) 60 mg tablets, Major<br />Thyroid (desiccated) 120 mg tablets, Major<br />Thyroid (desiccated) 180 mg tablets, Major<br /></font></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 0); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></span></div><span><span><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia">Armour Thyroid 15 mg tablets, Forest<br />Armour Thyroid 30 mg tablets, Forest<br />Armour Thyroid 30 mg tablets, unit dose, Forest<br />Armour Thyroid 30 mg tablets, Forest<br />Armour Thyroid 60 mg tablets, Forest<br />Armour Thyroid 60 mg tablets, unit dose, Forest<br />Armour Thyroid 60 mg tablets, Forest<br />Armour Thyroid 90 mg tablets, Forest<br />Armour Thyroid 120 mg tablets, Forest<br />Armour Thyroid 120 mg tablets, unit dose,Forest<br />Armour Thyroid 120 mg tablets, Forest<br />Armour Thyroid 180 mg tablets, Forest<br />Armour Thyroid 180 mg tablets, Forest</font></span></span></span></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></font></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><span><span><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia">Nature-Throid NT-1/4 16.25 mg (1/4 grain) tablets, RLC<br />Nature-Throid NT-1/2 32.4 mg (1/2 grain) tablets, RLC<br />Nature-Throid NT-1 64.8 mg (1 grain) tablets, RLC<br />Nature-Throid NT-2 129.6 mg (2 grain) tablets, RLC<br />Nature-Throid NT-3 194.4 mg (3 grain) tablets, RLC</font></span></span></span></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></font></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><span><span><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia">Westhroid 32.5 mg (1/2 grain) tablets, RLC<br />Westhroid 32.5 mg (1/2 grain) tablets, RLC<br />Westhroid 65 mg (1 grain) tablets, RLC<br />Westhroid 65 mg (1 grain) tablets, RLC<br />Westhroid 130 mg (2 grain) tablets, RLC<br />Westhroid 130 mg (2 grain) tablets, RLC<br /><br /></font></span></span></span></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><span><span><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia">Thyrolar tablets, Forest Laboratories - all strengths<br />12.5/3.1, 25/6.25, 50/12.5, 100/25, 150/37.5</font></span></span></span></span></font></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><span><span><font class="Apple-style-span" face="georgia"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>Discontinued Products</i></span><br /><br />Thyroid (desiccated) capsules (Bio-Tech Pharm) - discontinued<br />Thyroid (desiccated) tablets (Qualitest) - discontinued<br />Thyroid (desiccated) tablets (Time-Cap) - discontinued<br /></font></span></span><div><i><br /></i></div><p style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; line-height: 17px; "></p></span></div>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-23867789518953798212009-08-25T20:52:00.005-05:002009-08-25T21:15:52.011-05:00Orlistat (Alli, Xenical) linked to liver damage<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(72, 65, 56); font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><p style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border- color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Food and Drug Administration has announced it is reviewing adverse reports of liver injury in patients taking the weight loss drug orlistat, also known as Xenical or Alli.</span></span></p><p style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border- color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Over a 9 year period starting in 1999, the FDA received 32 reports of serious liver injury in patients taking orlistat. Of those reports, 27 reported hospitalization and six resulted in liver failure. The most commonly reported side effects included yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), weakness, and stomach pain.</span></span></p><p style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border- color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The FDA is performing an analysis of data from clinical trials and the manufacturer these data. To date no definite association between liver injury and orlistat has been established. The FDA will release its findings on orlistat as soon as the review is completed and is not recommending to stop taking the medication at this time. </span></span></p><p style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border- color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you have used or continue to use orlistat you should consult a health care professional if you experience symptoms possibly associated with development of liver injury: weakness or fatigue, fever, jaundice, or brown urine. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, itching, or loss of appetite.</span></span></p><p style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border- color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: initial; border- color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p></span>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-10989470986455379452009-08-22T22:59:00.003-05:002009-08-22T23:23:27.372-05:00Why is there a shortage of desiccated thyroid (e.g. Armour thyroid, Thyroid (dessicated), Nature-Throid)There is a lot of speculation about the reasons for the shortages of desiccated thyroid preparations. Typically drug shortages exist due to the discontinuation of a product by a manufacturer, raw ingredient shortage, manufacturing problems, or regulatory action by the FDA. In the case of the current desiccated thyroid shortage, it may be a combination of factors. The only manufacturer to provide information about the shortage is Forest who stated their shortage is due to a manufacturing change. <div><br /></div><div>The shortage has required patients to switch to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">levothyroxine</span> (T4), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cytomel</span> (T3), or alternative desiccated thyroid preparations (if they can find them). Coordination of these switches should occur under the supervision of a physician to ensure appropriate monitoring. There is a small subset of patients unable able to use <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">levothyroxine</span> as they lack the ability to covert T4 to T3. A combination <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">synthetic</span> T4/T3 combination product is marketed but is also currently on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">backorder</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Thyrolar</span>, Forrest). <div><div><br /></div><div><b>At the beginning of August the following preparations were experiencing shortages:</b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thyroid (desiccated) 30 mg tablets (Major)<br />Thyroid (desiccated) 30 mg tablets, (Major)<br />Thyroid (desiccated) 60 mg tablets, (Major)<br />Thyroid (desiccated) 180 mg tablets, (Major)<br /><br />Armour Thyroid 15 mg tablets, (Forest)<br />Armour Thyroid 30 mg tablets, (Forest)<br />Armour Thyroid 30 mg tablets, (Forest)<br />Armour Thyroid 30 mg tablets, (Forest)<br />Armour Thyroid 60 mg tablets, (Forest)<br />Armour Thyroid 60 mg tablets, (Forest)<br />Armour Thyroid 60 mg tablets, (Forest)<br />Armour Thyroid 90 mg tablets, (Forest)<br />Armour Thyroid 180 mg tablets, (Forest)<br />Armour Thyroid 180 mg tablets, (Forest)<br /><br />Nature-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Throid</span> NT-3 194.4 mg (3 grain) tablets, (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">RLC</span>)</span></span></span></span><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>The following products have been discontinued</b>:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thyroid (desiccated) 120 mg tablets, (Major)</span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Thyroid (desiccated) capsules (Bio-Tech <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Pharm</span>)<br />Thyroid (desiccated) tablets (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Qualitest</span>)<br />Thyroid (desiccated) tablets (Time-Cap) </span></span></span></span><em></em></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-47695126891185479552009-08-17T20:54:00.003-05:002009-08-17T21:12:56.620-05:00Is the pharmacist shortage over?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Over the last decade or so, the U.S. has experienced a pharmacist shortage. This has resulted in a high job vacancy rate, higher salaries, and increased workload. It appears that the pharmacist shortage may be coming to an end. This is due in part to the opening of dozens of new pharmacy schools increasing the graduation rate and the increased use of automation. In addition, healthcare reform will have an impact. With finite healthcare resources, pharmacists will need to continue to become more operationally efficient. Also, as quality becomes a more important metric, the provision of high-quality pharmacy services will be required of pharmacists.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The next decade is likely to see changes to the profession and a shift to more clinical activities and less dispensing related functions. Although the demand/need for medication experts is likely to continue to expand, it appears that their will be the supply to meet this demand.</span></div>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-7822360565227991032009-08-13T22:45:00.004-05:002009-08-13T23:09:42.327-05:00New Creon dose - why was there a change?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the efficacy and safety of medications. Drugs marketed prior to 1938 were "grandfathered" in and did not require submission for FDA approval. One example of these types of drug include pancreatic enzymes (Creon, Ultrase, Pancrease, Pancrecarb) commonly used for patients with diseases of the pancreas, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic enzyme deficiency.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In May of 2009 the FDA approved a new Creon formulation, the first and only FDA approved pancreatic enzyme. The new Creon formulation was available from the manufacturer in July of 2009. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Although the ingredients on the label differ on the old and new formulations, the amount of pancreatic enzymes in each corresponding capsule are the same and no change in dosing is necessary when converting from old to new formulation. The old formulation had "extra enzymes in the capsule that were not included in the label. The new formulation has been labeled with the actual amount of enzymes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Creon 5 = Creon 6,000</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Creon 10 = Creon 12,000</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Creon 20 = Creon 24,000</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The new formulation does require a new prescription for filling at your pharmacy. </span></div><div><br /></div>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-9003221733427060222009-08-13T00:02:00.005-05:002009-08-13T00:40:46.845-05:00Are prescriptions from Canada or internet pharmacies safe?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">As the price of prescription drugs continue to rise, consumers are always looking for ways to save money on their medications. One such method that has become increasingly popular is to obtain medications from </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">Internet</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;"> pharmacies or prescriptions from Canada. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">The problem with obtaining prescriptions in this fashion is that the medications you receive could contain the wrong medication, contain no active ingredients, or be contaminated with lead/other toxic agents. </span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">Although many of the </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">Internet</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;"> pharmacy sites look authentic and reputable, there is no regulation at a state or federal level of these entities. So the prescription you think is coming from Canada may be coming from China, Russia, etc. The prescription does not need to be filled by a pharmacist and their is no recourse for the consumer if the wrong/counterfeit </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">medication</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;"> is dispensed. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><p style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border- color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">Audits by the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin of a Canadian internet pharmacy pointed out significant safety problems, such as:</span></span></span></p><ul class="mainlist" style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-image: url(http://www.fda.gov/ucm/groups/fdagov-public/@system/documents/system/img_fdagov_orangebullet.gif); border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><li style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border- background-position: initial initial; color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">several pharmacies used unsupervised technicians to enter medication orders and to try to clarify prescriptions</span></span></span></li><li style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border- background-position: initial initial; color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">one pharmacy had its pharmacists review 100 new prescriptions or 300 refill prescriptions per hour (a typical safe number is around 10-20 prescriptions per hour);</span></span></span></li><li style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border- background-position: initial initial; color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">one pharmacy failed to label its products, instead it shipped the labels unattached in the same shipping container, even to patients who received multiple medications</span></span></span></li><li style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border- background-position: initial initial; color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">drugs requiring refrigeration were being shipped un-refrigerated;</span></span></span></li><li style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border- background-position: initial initial; color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">dispensing medications that had been recalled or removed from the market by the FDA;</span></span></span></li><li style="height: auto; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; text-align: left; margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-width: initial; border- background-position: initial initial; color:initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">dispensing expired medications</span></span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330033;">The bottom line is that the potential cost savings of using these pharmacies does not outweigh the significant risks to consumers. </span></span></span></div></div>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-47469803095062677232009-08-09T20:19:00.003-05:002009-08-09T21:01:58.742-05:00Recommendations for drug disposal<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There has been a lot of publicity over the last decade about ground water contamination and drinking water contamination with prescription drugs. The short-term and long-term effects of this contamination on the environment and humans in unknown. One step that can help to minimize the potential for ground water contamination is proper drug disposal. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1. Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet or dump down a sink drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">2. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To dispose of prescription drugs not labeled to be flushed, you may be able to take advantage of community drug take-back programs or other programs, such as household hazardous waste collection events, that collect drugs at a central location for proper disposal. Call your city or county government’s household trash and recycling service and ask if a drug </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 17.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">take-back program is available in your community. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 17.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">3. If a drug take-back or collection program is not available:</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Helvetica"></p><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;font-size:medium;">Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;">Mix drugs with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;">grounds. </span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;">Put this mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;">margarine tub, or into a sealable bag. </span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;">Conceal or remove any personal information, including Rx number, on the <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;">empty containers by covering it with black permanent marker <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;">or by scratching it off. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;">Place the sealed container with the mixture, and the empty drug containers, <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, fantasy;">in the trash.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, -webkit-fantasy;font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/pdf/prescrip_disposal.pdf">Federal Guidelines </a></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm107163.pdf">FDA recommendations</a></span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, fantasy;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:12px;"><br /></span></span></div></div>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-28297808076176931922009-08-02T11:24:00.011-05:002009-08-03T16:38:41.369-05:00Why should I keep a medication list?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsGO4Dt_CvrWcreH-ScBNZL1z4pZdpQhIOoB1-drVBjnXWddnT7WbS47J4bq7O1k4n8Tz3IbkJNGxYmPilPYaF7u1Z6tBxD65pLk0uNDKtWYpl2J3abXmCI5lgFCp7yMF2qeuaKEkUg3z/s1600-h/Check+List+Graphic.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsGO4Dt_CvrWcreH-ScBNZL1z4pZdpQhIOoB1-drVBjnXWddnT7WbS47J4bq7O1k4n8Tz3IbkJNGxYmPilPYaF7u1Z6tBxD65pLk0uNDKtWYpl2J3abXmCI5lgFCp7yMF2qeuaKEkUg3z/s200/Check+List+Graphic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365417833583690770" /></a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I commonly hear from patients that they do not need to keep a medication list because that information is in their "medical record". Unfortunately, this is not the case as most patients see multiple providers that do not share common medical records. For example, you cardiologist may have a different chart than your internist. In addition, patients take a variety of non-prescription (over-the-counter) products, herbals, and dietary supplements. Even when providers have a medication, this list is often what is prescribed vs. what the patient is actually taking. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">One of the best things you can do as a patient is to keep an updated list of your medications in your wallet/purse.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The list should include the name, dose, how you take it, why you take it, and who told you to take it. Your list should be updated every time there is a change in your medications. </span></span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">There are a number of websites that have templates you can use.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://safecarewisconsin.org/LIDRI_MyMedicineList.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Safe Care Wisconsin</span></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.safemedication.com/safemed/MyMedicineList.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Safe Medication </span></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.ismp.org/Newsletters/consumer/alerts/ISMP_Med_Form_PDF.pdf"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Institute for Safe Medication Practices</span></span></a></div><div><a href="http://www.uwhealth.org/storage/Safety_speakup_brochure_meds%5B1%5D.pdf"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">UW Health</span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">When I interview patients admitted to the hospital where I work, I find that on average there are 2-10 errors found between what the doctor orders and what the patient is actually taking at home when admission orders are written. The main source of this error is that patient's do not have an accurate list of medications with them and the doctor must rely on what information they have which is often out of date and incomplete. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">These errors can include but are not limited to:</span></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">ordering a drug that has stopped</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">not ordering a drug that is being taken</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">ordering the wrong dose</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">ordering a drug that has already been taken today</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">ordering a medication that has caused allergic reactions in the past</span></span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Any of these errors can complicate your admission and in some cases lead to death. Taking the time to create and update your list of medications is one of the best things you can do for your health. </span></span></div></div><div><br /></div>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-87436418532538031452009-07-31T21:54:00.005-05:002009-08-01T11:41:20.471-05:00Who should get the H1N1 influenza (a.k.a. swine flu) vaccine?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-kEliLBpmtU1S8WDM-R4fAN053kI7FY8JTIxh4dx30K2FcV5klsJw5jkFrxia6J3yCNyg_9pVF7aJtAhX_LuvSU7f_xD4MOoWvdr32WP2pGxEWHL4Dd1prpPPfsWd3JF_NGAnWbZGm75/s1600-h/B00526_H1N1_flu_lrg-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-kEliLBpmtU1S8WDM-R4fAN053kI7FY8JTIxh4dx30K2FcV5klsJw5jkFrxia6J3yCNyg_9pVF7aJtAhX_LuvSU7f_xD4MOoWvdr32WP2pGxEWHL4Dd1prpPPfsWd3JF_NGAnWbZGm75/s200/B00526_H1N1_flu_lrg-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365036370685964818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHALUaeSqY1OjITNLt_ewtgeI6XaetSVzw1DnuKJaAMnmrm6weEbQCF5PUeQi2_JjhJba3dJzCj2xC0IXROl3PCOjnxfCptZk-lhXHAFG6u74r-IEQSMnZ3SRNwDP2fECrhLYfEzDX6gT/s1600-h/B00526_H1N1_flu_lrg-1.jpg"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The H1N1 influenza (swine flu) pandemic has led to the pursuit of a vaccine by </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Novartis AG,</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">GlaxoSmithKline PLC, and Baxter International</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. Clinical trials testing the safety and efficacy of the vaccine are expected to begin soon. The US Department of Health and Human Services has set aside $1 billion dollars for the development and manufacture of a vaccine.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">On July 29th, the </span></span><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">C</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">n</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">t</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">r</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">s</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">f</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">o</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">r</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">D</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">i</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">s</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">a</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">s</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">e</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">C</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">o</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">n</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">t</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">r</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">o</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">l</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">C</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">D</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">C</span></span></a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">)</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Advisory Committe on Immunization Practices provided</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> recommendations on who</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> should receive the vaccine. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">he committee recommended the vaccination efforts focus on five key populations. Vaccination efforts are designed to help reduce the impact and spread of novel H1N1. The key populations include those who are at higher risk of disease or complications, those who are likely to come in contact with novel H1N1, and those who could infect young infants. When vaccine is first available, the committee recommended that programs and providers try to vaccinate:</span></span></span></div><ul style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-type: disc; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><li style="margin-top: 0.7em; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">pregnant women,</span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0.7em; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,</span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0.7em; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">health care and emergency services personnel,</span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0.7em; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age, and</span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0.7em; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">people from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.</span></span></li></ul><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The groups listed above total approximately 159 million people in the United States.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967829642936765481.post-38420023514439088692009-07-31T21:07:00.005-05:002009-08-09T21:01:42.962-05:00Safe Use of MedicationsThe <a href="http://www.ashp.org/">American Society of Health-System Pharmacists</a> have created a website, <a href="http://www.safemedication.com/">safemedication.com</a>, to help promote the safe use of medications. This resource has a template to list your medications along with tips and tools for safe medication use. <div><br /></div><div>The tools include:</div><div><ul><li>Using medications safely</li><li>Preparing for emergencies</li><li>Gluten in medications</li><li>Using alternative medications safely</li><li>Using antibiotics wisely</li><li>Recognizing counterfeits</li><li>Preventing accidental poisoning</li><li>Traveling safely with medications</li><li>Preventing diseases with vaccines</li></ul><div><br /></div></div>Friendly RPhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15316671196752890541noreply@blogger.com0