Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · May 2017
Opioid dispensing and overlap in veterans with non-cancer pain eligible for Medicare Part D.
Pain is the most prevalent problem among veterans, who receive pain diagnoses 5 times more frequently than the general population. Opioids are commonly prescribed for pain, but they have potential for misuse and serious adverse events. The study objective was to evaluate opioid dispensing patterns and predictors for overlap in veterans who are eligible for Medicare Part D benefits. ⋯ Opioids dispensed from Part D-reimbursed pharmacies had a higher frequency of overlapping days' supply as compared to those filled by the VA, but there was minimal overlap between systems. While overlapping opioid prescriptions filled by the VA decreased from 2007 to 2009, overlap increased for prescriptions filled at Part D-reimbursed pharmacies. Tools, such as drug monitoring programs, should be used by VA and non-VA providers to decrease opioid-related harms and misuse.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · May 2017
Community pharmacy transition of care services and rural hospital readmissions: A case study.
To explore community pharmacist involvement in the transition of care (TOC) process for patients discharged with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF), pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or elective total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA). ⋯ Community pharmacist involvement in the TOC process may help to prevent readmissions for patients with AMI, HF, pneumonia, COPD, and elective THA/TKA. Patients are overall satisfied with community pharmacist involvement as they move from inpatient care to home. In addition, there are multiple barriers affecting access and adherence to medication therapy while at home, providing opportunities for pharmacist intervention and assistance.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · May 2017
Assessment of targeted automated messages on herpes zoster immunization numbers in an independent community pharmacy.
To evaluate the impact of an automated phone call by a pharmacy owner on the number of herpes zoster vaccinations given in the independent community pharmacy setting, compare herpes zoster immunization numbers in the 3 months during the previous year to the 3 months during the intervention, and assess patient satisfaction with the automated phone call service. ⋯ These results demonstrate that using a targeted, automated phone call directed at eligible patients appears to have a positive effect on their willingness to receive the herpes zoster vaccine and may lead to an increase in vaccination numbers among eligible patients. Various factors must be considered before implementation of this service, including cost and added call volume.
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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.