Eye on FDA

MAY 19, 2020

COVID-19 was a shock to the system unlike anything that had been anticipated. Even prior to the shutdown, health-perceptive people were starting to avoid public venues and there were declines in the numbers of people going out to eat at restaurants, to public functions, visiting with friends and also going to the doctor’s offices. When it comes to healthcare, that has translated into multiple stress points to our system of care spanning both health and economics with people avoiding care f

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Pharma Packaging Solutions

MAY 28, 2020

We hope this message finds you and your family well. We have thought about you so much during these unique times. Our associates have been working around the clock to meet unprecedented demand due to COVID-19. Please know that our associates, with creativity and agility, are navigating this new normal and collaborating more than ever with customers to set a new standard of care and support.

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Drug Channels

MAY 27, 2020

FWIW: Summer is finally here. Before you venture outside for your lockdown barbeque, check out these noteworthy items off the Drug Channels grill: Payers predict how COVID-19 will affect formularies Our analysis of the 2020 retail-to-mail shift AmerisourceBergen profiles biosimilars Plus, CVS pharmacy offers a clever way to measure appropriate social distancing.

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The Nontraditional Pharmacist

MAY 4, 2020

Pharmacists practicing integrative medicine do not transition from the role of the pharmacist but rather expand it. Dr. Pam Tarlow and Dr. Swathi Varanasi highlight the importance of other modalities of health and even touch on the business implications of integrative medicine in the future! Dr. Pam Tarlow and Dr. Swathi Varanasi – Clinical, Integrative Pharmacists.

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Speaker: Chris Antypas and Josh Halladay

Access to limited distribution drugs and payer contracts are key to pharmacy expansion. But how do you prepare your operations to take the next step? Meaningful data: Collect and share clinical data regarding outcomes, utilization, and more Reporting: Limited distribution models require efficient tracking and reporting systems Workflows: Align workflows with specific pharma and payer contractual requirements For in-depth, expert insights on pharmacy expansion, watch this webinar from Inovalon.

Pharmacy Joe

MAY 31, 2020

In this episode, I’ll discuss the two scenarios where asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is treated with antibiotics in adult patients. Episode 509: Two scenarios where asymptomatic bacteriuria is treated in adult patients without symptoms Subscribe on iTunes , Android , or Stitcher Considerable focus has appropriately been placed on reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in patients with otherwise asymptomatic bacteriuria.

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Med Ed 101

MAY 31, 2020

I’m extremely grateful for the many pharmacists who have stepped up and provided education on topics they are passionate about. I’ve touched on QT prolongation in the past, but Daniel Lieu, PharmD has taken it up a notch! He has provided some spot-on education below on QT Prolongation for Community Pharmacists that can be applied […].

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Pharma Packaging Solutions

MAY 21, 2020

As the situation with COVID-19 continues to change, we wanted to let you know that Carton Service/Pharma Packaging Solutions is defined as an Essential Industry due to the life-sustaining products we produce. Even with communities establishing Shelter-In-Place or Safer-At-Home orders, our associates have been notified that they are essential workers.

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Drug Channels

MAY 21, 2020

In Copay Maximizers Are Displacing Accumulators—But CMS Ignores How Payers Leverage Patient Support , I explained a new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) final rule regarding health plans’ use of copay accumulator adjustment. I also highlighted why plans have responded to the negative patient impact from accumulators with copay maximizer programs.

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Eye on FDA

MAY 4, 2020

There is going to be a time in the not too distant future, when the fuller picture of the healthcare impacts of COVID-19 come into sharper focus. When that happens, it is not likely to be pretty. In large part, this is because a very large portion of the population has moved into a state of unemployment. With that reality come a labyrinth of consequences that alter the healthcare landscape on a seismic scale, particularly in the United States where access to healthcare relies largely on being em

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Pharmacy Joe

MAY 27, 2020

In this episode, I’ll discuss whether a pacemaker or implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD) protects from medication-induced torsades. Episode 508: Does a pacemaker or implanted cardiac defibrillator protect from medication-induced torsades? Subscribe on iTunes , Android , or Stitcher Shout out to Pharmacy Jeremy and Pharmacy Marci for inspiring this episode!

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Pharmacy Management

Med Ed 101

MAY 27, 2020

Digoxin is one of those medications that has a lot of unique clinical quirks. Here are a few clinical pearls you must remember when using digoxin in CHF. When using digoxin in CHF (more specifically (HFrEF) you must remember to check electrolytes. Alterations in electrolytes may increase the risk of arrhythmias. When a patient has […]. The post Digoxin in CHF – What You Need to Know appeared first on Med Ed 101.

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Drug Channels

MAY 19, 2020

COVID-19 has not stopped the wheels of policy bureaucracy from grinding. Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for the 2021 benefit year. You’ll find the document links below. This final rule permits insurers to exclude the value of a pharmaceutical manufacturer’s copay support program from a patient’s annual deductible and out-of-pocket maximum obligations.

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Drug Channels

MAY 14, 2020

I received good feedback on Tuesday's video about retail pharmacy. So below, you'll find another brief video excerpt from my May 1 Industry Update and COVID-19 Impact video webinar. In this clip, I highlight the growth and consolidation dynamics facing the specialty pharmacy industry. I also discuss the competitive challenges facing smaller pharmacies.

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Drug Channels

MAY 12, 2020

Thanks to everyone who joined me for DCI's Industry Update and COVID-19 Impact video webinars. I enjoyed putting these events together and hope you benefited from watching them. If you missed these two live events, click here to find out how you can watch the replays. Below is a brief video excerpt from my May 1 video webinar. In this clip, I summarize the perilous competitive dynamics facing retail pharmacies.

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Pharmacy Joe

MAY 24, 2020

In this episode, I’ll discuss why you can’t use the Naranjo algorithm in the setting of drug overdose. Episode 507: Why can’t you use the Naranjo algorithm in the setting of drug overdose? Subscribe on iTunes , Android , or Stitcher Shout out to “ Toxicology Dave ” on Twitter for highlighting this issue. The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale (commonly referred to as the Naranjo Scale) attempts to apply objective criteria to answer the subjective question of whethe

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Med Ed 101

MAY 24, 2020

Amiodarone is a medication that you need to pay attention to. It has numerous clinical quirks that can cause serious harm if one is not aware of them. Here’s a list of the amiodarone boxed warnings as well as some other clinical practice pearls. Amiodarone Boxed Warning #1: Pro-Arrhythmic Amiodarone is classified as an antiarrhythmic […].

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Drug Channels

MAY 22, 2020

Today’s guest post comes from Kyle Grimslid, Market Development Director at CoverMyMeds. Kyle describes the complications that providers and patients encounter in the specialty prescription process. He describes how AMP: Access for more Patients™ enhances access, affordability and adherence—including a reported 27% reduction in time to therapy. Click here to learn more about how CoverMyMeds and RxCrossroads by McKesson are using technology to solve patients' medication access challenges.

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Pharmacy Joe

MAY 20, 2020

In this episode, I’ll discuss the pharmacist’s role if malignant hyperthermia is suspected outside of the operating room. Episode 506: The pharmacist's role if malignant hyperthermia is suspected outside of the operating room Subscribe on iTunes , Android , or Stitcher Malignant hyperthermia is a rare event, occurring in about 1 out of 100,000 administrations of anesthesia.

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Pharma Packaging Solutions

MAY 21, 2020

We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation very closely. We are confident we can abide by any imposed guidelines while continuing to seamlessly support our customers’ business operations. Because we care about our associates, our customers and our communities, we want to share the steps we are taking during this fluid and changing situation. We do have an active business continuity plan to keep our customers, our visitors, our associates and their families safe and healthy.

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Med Ed 101

MAY 20, 2020

I stumbled into this article a while ago regarding Nuedexta off-label fraud for behavioral issues involving dementia patients in long term care facilities. It makes me sad and frustrated. I’d like to make a couple of points. Nuedexta Off-Label Evidence in Dementia The evidence of Nuedexta being beneficial in this patient population for the off-label […].

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Med Ed 101

MAY 17, 2020

Geriatrics can get very complicated very fast. Chronic conditions, polypharmacy, and drug interactions are a few of the many complications. Here are a few things that make me think twice in geriatric patients. Multiple Medication Changes As I reveiw a patient’s medication list, I review recent changes that have been made. The more changes that […].

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Pharmacy Joe

MAY 13, 2020

In this episode, I’ll discuss whether the dose of enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis can be reduced in low weight patients. Episode 504: Can the dose of enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis be reduced in low weight patients? Subscribe on iTunes , Android , or Stitcher Shout out to “Pharmacy Jeff” for inspiring this episode! When using enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis in low-weight adults, doses can approach the 1 mg/kg normally associated with VTE treatment.

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Med Ed 101

MAY 13, 2020

I do get quite a few questions from time to time and try to answer as many emails as I can. Here were a few really good questions that I thought I would share with all of you. Can we use ciprofloxacin for pneumonia? Why isn’t ciprofloxacin a treatment in community-acquired pneumonia? Also, why is […]. The post Ciprofloxacin for Pneumonia?

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Pharmacy Joe

MAY 10, 2020

In this episode, I’ll discuss an article about IVP antibiotic safety. Episode 503: Safety of IV push antibiotics Subscribe on iTunes , Android , or Stitcher Article Safety of intravenous push administration of beta-lactams within a healthcare system Lead author: Kassandra Marsh, PharmD, BCIDP Published in American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy April 2020 Background In the aftermath of hurricane disruptions to IV solution supply chains, 2017 saw a severe minibag shortage.

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Med Ed 101

MAY 10, 2020

Loop diuretics are the mainstay in removing fluid off the body in patients with heart failure. They are very common in clinical practice. What should you think about when monitoring loop diuretics? Monitoring Loop Diuretics – Benefit? One of the challenges with polypharmacy in our geriatric patient population is to continually assess the benefit of […].

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Pharmacy Joe

MAY 6, 2020

In this episode, I’ll discuss macrolides vs. fluroquinolones for legionella pneumonia. Episode 502: Azithromycin vs. levofloxacin for legionella pneumonia Subscribe on iTunes , Android , or Stitcher Traditionally it is thought that a bacteriocidal antibiotic is preferable to a bacteriostatic one, especially in severe infections such as legionella pneumonia.

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Med Ed 101

MAY 6, 2020

Mirabegron is a medication that can be used for overactive bladder. It is a medication that I am seeing used periodically in clinical practice. Here are a few mirabegron clinical pearls that I think are valuable to remember. The mechanism of action is critical to remember. It is a selective beta-3 agonist. You are likely […]. The post Mirabegron Clinical Pearls appeared first on Med Ed 101.

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Med Ed 101

MAY 3, 2020

Transitions of care are a big deal and something I care about deeply. I’ve seen so many mistakes in my practice as an MTM pharmacist, Assisted Living Consultant, LTC Consultant, and in community pharmacy. I recently watched some of Blair Thielemeir’s Elevate Pharmacy Summit and I was really inspired by the effort and energy this […].

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Pharmacy Joe

MAY 17, 2020

In this episode, I’ll discuss a new observation study on hydroxychloroquine and Covid-19. Episode 505: New observational data on hydroxychloroquine and Covid-19 Subscribe on iTunes , Android , or Stitcher Article Observational Study of Hydroxychloroquine in Hospitalized Patients with Covid-19 Lead author: Joshua Geleris Published in New England Journal of Medicine May 2020 Background Following reports from China and South Korea, and then a small French cohort of patients, hydroxychloroquine has

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