P&T Community |

Which ADP receptor inhibitor are patients likely to receive to treat acute coronary syndromes? Although clinical and economic studies lean toward prasugrel and ticagrelor, the authors find that clopidogrel is often prescribed; however, one study shows that the newer agents may be underutilized in some cases.

Improving Medication History at Admission Utilizing Pharmacy Students and Technicians: A Pharmacy-Driven Improvement Initiative

Patient safety is often put at risk due to inaccurate medication-history details recorded at hospital admission and discharge. A team of pharmacy students and technicians demonstrate how combining their efforts increased the accuracy of medication lists and improved patient care.

Commentary

Angiotensin II Brings More Questions Than Answers

The recent approval of angiotensin II (ATII) gives clinicians a new tool for treating patients with septic shock. The drug is highly effective at improving blood pressure in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, but its adverse-event profile and cost are cause for concern. This commentary examines the controversies surrounding the safety and efficacy of ATII.

Meeting Highlights

2018 European Association for the Study of Diabetes

We review sessions on the association of diuretic use and amputations, albiglutide and cardiovascular outcomes with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, how lorcaserin affects diabetes in overweight patients, how testosterone therapy improves diabetes in hypogonadal men, the pros and cons of gastric bypass surgery, how low-calorie sweeteners affect the gut microbiome, and more.

Departments

Medication Errors

Selected Medication Safety Risks That Can Easily Fall Off the Radar Screen—Part 3

The final part of a 3-part series discusses medication safety risks related to labeling, patient education, and medication storage.

Prescription: Washington

Federal Safe Harbor for Value-Based Contracts Being Considered

P&T committees may soon have access to more than drug-label information as HHS considers implementing a safe harbor for value-based contracts between drug manufacturers and health insurers.

Drug and Device News November 2018

Approvals, new indications, regulatory activities, and more

Pharmaceutical Approval Update November 2018

Arakoda (tafenoquine) for malaria; Annovera (segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol vaginal system) for contraception; and Oxervate (cenegermin-bkbj) for neurotrophic keratitis

Drug Forecast

Baxdela™ (Delafloxacin)

Baxdela (delafloxacin) for treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections

Research Briefs November 2018