The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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To review and discuss key aspects of the drug therapy recommendations in the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) 2005 Guideline Update for the Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Heart Failure (HF) in the Adult. ⋯ The ACC/AHA 2005 Guideline Update provides evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals involved in the care of adults with chronic HF. Recent clinical trial findings have further clarified the evolving role of neurohormonal-blocking drugs in the prevention and treatment of HF.
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Most insurers in the US have implemented incentive-based formularies that rely on out-of-pocket costs to influence prescription drug utilization. Medicare Part D plans have broadly adopted such benefit designs. ⋯ Physicians often lack the knowledge to assist patients in the management of their out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs and they depend on pharmacists to help patients manage those costs. Computer order entry and resources available in large physician organizations improve physicians' awareness of out-of-pocket costs when prescribing.
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To review the incidence, risk factors, mechanism, times of onset and resolution, and treatment of hyponatremia associated with selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). ⋯ Practitioners should be on the alert for this potentially life-threatening adverse event, especially in older adults with other risk factors for developing hyponatremia.