Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2017
Adverse event detection using the FDA post-marketing drug safety surveillance system: Cardiotoxicity associated with loperamide abuse and misuse.
The purpose of this investigation was to identify and characterize post-marketing reports of cardiotoxicity, including torsades de pointes (TdP), associated with loperamide use. ⋯ The FAERS case reports provide evidence to suggest that high doses of loperamide are associated with TdP and other serious cardiac adverse events. The majority of cases in this series occurred in the setting of drug abuse for the purpose of preventing opioid withdrawal or to produce euphoric effects. It is important for both clinicians and patients to be aware of this potential risk, because prompt therapy and discontinuation of the offending agent are often essential to management and prevention of loperamide-induced cardiac arrhythmias.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2017
Pharmacists' readiness to provide naloxone in community pharmacies in West Virginia.
The objective of this study is to assess West Virginia pharmacists' stocking and dispensing practices of opioid-related medications and to identify the educational needs relating to providing naloxone in community pharmacies. ⋯ As the most accessible health care providers, community pharmacists are acutely aware of how the opioid epidemic affects their communities. Some pharmacists in West Virginia are hesitant to stock and dispense opioids and opioid-dependence medications. Although this may decrease the flow of potentially abused drugs into the community, it may also restrict access to necessary therapy for patients with opioid use disorder. Furthermore, pharmacists in West Virginia are not yet comfortable stocking and dispensing naloxone. Tailored educational materials can help in controlling the pharmacists' fear and reinforce the benefits of over-the-counter naloxone use.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2017
Opioid exit plan: A pharmacist's role in managing acute postoperative pain.
The benefits of a pharmacist's involvement in medication reconciliation and discharge counseling are well documented in the literature as improving patient outcomes. In contrast, no studies have focused on the initiation of a pharmacist-led opioid exit plan (OEP) for acute postoperative pain management. This paper summarizes a pharmacist-led OEP practice model and the potential role that pharmacists and student pharmacists can have at the point of admission, during postoperative recovery, and on discharge in acute pain management patients. ⋯ A hospital pain management team operating a pharmacist-led OEP can be key to guiding the appropriate prescribing practice of opioids and assisting with transitions of care on discharge. Further outcomes-based evaluations of the practice model are planned and encouraged to validate and improve the pharmacist-led OEP practice.
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Morbidity and mortality associated with opioid use have increased across the nation, growing into what can only be described as an epidemic. ⋯ Take-home naloxone programs can be successfully implemented into community pharmacies to increase access and awareness of opioid overdose recognition and response.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2017
Implementing an overdose education and naloxone distribution program in a health system.
To design and implement a health system-wide program increasing provision of take-home naloxone in patients at risk for opioid overdose, with the downstream aim of reducing fatalities. The program includes health care professional education and guidelines, development, and dissemination of patient education materials, electronic health record changes to promote naloxone prescriptions, and availability of naloxone in pharmacies. ⋯ Initiating and implementing an overdose education and naloxone distribution program is feasible in an academic health system.