Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
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Inhaled treprostinil represents an attractive alternative to the other available prostacyclin formulations by obviating the use of continuous infusions and its associated risks. Published evidence describing the process of transition from infusion prostacyclin therapy to inhaled treprostinil is limited. The purpose of this report is to describe an inpatient protocol for transitioning patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) from intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SQ) prostacyclin therapy to inhaled treprostinil. ⋯ Our report describes a standard method used to transition patients from IV/SQ infusion prostacyclin to inhaled treprostinil.
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Antimicrobial stewardship programmes describe strategies to optimize antimicrobial prescribing and utilization, minimize resistance and improve patient outcomes. Strategies in hospitals are usually implemented by multidisciplinary antimicrobial teams (AMTs). The objective of this study was to describe the profile and activities of AMTs within hospitals in the United Kingdom (UK). ⋯ Although most respondents reported an antimicrobial-prescribing policy, less had an AMT. Despite recent government and regional initiatives, further improvements in antimicrobial stewardship are still required.
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There is controversy surrounding the risk of metformin and the development of lactic acidosis. There have been no reports of a pharmacist preventing a patient developing metformin-associated lactic acidosis. ⋯ Although the incidence of MALA is rare, health professionals should be aware of the initial symptoms of lactic acidosis, especially in elderly patients with risk factors, to prevent a fatal lactic acidosis event.