The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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Utilizing procalcitonin (PCT) levels to limit antimicrobial overuse would be beneficial from a humanistic and economic perspective. ⋯ Introducing PCT levels resulted in a shorter duration of initial antimicrobial therapy and was not associated with adverse treatment outcomes.
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To review the literature evaluating serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). ⋯ Evidence to support venlafaxine and duloxetine for the treatment of CIPN from oxaliplatin- or paclitaxel-based regimens is promising. Unfortunately, direct comparisons between venlafaxine and duloxetine do not exist, so definitive conclusions about which agent is preferred cannot be made. However, the breadth of data with duloxetine is larger, suggesting that it may be prudent to consider duloxetine first when choosing a SNRI for CIPN treatment. More robust trials are needed to establish their optimal place in therapy with regard to patient population, timing of therapy, dosing, and treatment duration.
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Deaths related to opioid overdose have increased in the past decade. Community-based pharmacy practitioners have worked toward overcoming logistic and cultural barriers to make naloxone distribution for overdose prevention a standard and accepted practice. ⋯ Outpatient administration of intramuscular and intranasal naloxone represents a means of preventing opioid-related deaths. Pharmacists can play a vital role in contacting providers, provision of products, education of patients and providers, and dissemination of information throughout the community. Preventing opioid overdose-related deaths should become a major focus of the pharmacy profession.