Articles related to Clinical Pharmacology

Unraveling the ALS Treatment Landscape: An Insightful Webinar Pharmacists, step into an enlightening discussion about the ALS treatment landscape on June 14th from 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST. Unearth key insights from AMCP’s Market Insights Roundtable and explore strategies to navigate patient access barriers, ultimately enriching ALS patients’ quality of life. Firstly, the webinar presents a golden opportunity for pharmacists to deepen their understanding of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease. Our distinguished speakers will guide you through the current and evolving ALS treatment landscape, emphasizing the differences between clinical trial environments and real-life experiences. Further along, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the patient journey and the burden associated with ALS. In highlighting the current access barriers that patients face, the webinar focuses on a health plan’s concerted effort to mitigate these hurdles, providing valuable lessons for all healthcare stakeholders. Lastly, the importance of collaboration in the decision-making process to minimize access to care barriers will be underscored. With panelists like Ryan Haumschild, Director of Pharmacy at Emory Healthcare and Winship Cancer Institute, and Ryan Bitton, Senior Director of Pharmacy Services at Health Plan of Nevada, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Join us […]

Discover the latest breakthrough in opioid overdose treatment: the FDA-approved opioid overdose reversal nasal spray, Opvee. The FDA has given its seal of approval to a new opioid overdose reversal nasal spray, Opvee. Developed by Opiant Pharmaceuticals, now owned by Indivior, this groundbreaking medication is designed for patients aged 12 and above. Opvee contains nalmefene, an opioid receptor antagonist that counteracts remifentail-induced respiratory depression in just 2.5 to 5 minutes. Moreover, it restores full respiratory drive as early as 5 minutes post-administration. The FDA’s approval of Opvee, the first nalmefene hydrochloride nasal spray, marks a significant step in the FDA Overdose Prevention Framework. This move supports the development of innovative overdose reversal products, thereby promoting harm reduction. Following the recent approval of Narcan, the first over-the-counter opioid reversal agent, the nalmefene nasal spray offers a new prescription opioid reversal option for communities, harm reduction groups, and emergency responders. Indivior plans to make Opvee available by prescription in the fourth quarter of 2023. While Opvee’s effects are similar to the Narcan nasal spray, its longer acting period has raised concerns among some practitioners. They point out the severe withdrawal symptoms that opioid overdose reversal medications can induce. Opiant’s application for Opvee […]

Here are some details for your patients who may be taking Eliquis and need to understand how their diet may impact both their health and the potency of the medication. Eliquis, also known as apixaban, is a blood thinner used to prevent and treat blood clots, including conditions like venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis. It’s also used to prevent strokes and blood clots associated with atrial fibrillation (AFib). Unlike warfarin, a well-known blood thinner, Eliquis doesn’t require your patients to avoid certain foods. Eliquis works by blocking a clotting factor in our blood called factor Xa. This makes it different from warfarin, which interacts with vitamin K-rich foods. Eliquis comes in 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses, taken twice daily. Importantly, it doesn’t require monitoring of PT/INR, a blood clotting test, unlike warfarin. When it comes to diet, Eliquis doesn’t interact negatively with any foods. Even foods that usually cause drug-food interactions, like leafy greens, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, coffee, and peppermint tea, are safe with Eliquis. However, if you have patients taking Eliquis, ensure they still pay attention to their diet. Many patients on Eliquis have underlying heart disease, so a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, […]

Uncover the real-world patient experiences with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in Saudi Arabia’s tertiary care hospitals. In Saudi Arabia, a study delved into patient experiences with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), high-risk medications used to prevent thromboembolic events and stroke. Conducted in three tertiary care hospitals, the study used in-depth interviews to gather data. By the ninth participant, data saturation was reached. Three major themes emerged from the study. Firstly, several factors were identified that impact the safety of DOACs from the patients’ perspective. These included a lack of knowledge about DOACs, reliance on inappropriate information sources, poor communication with healthcare professionals (HCPs), difficulty accessing DOACs, and insufficient monitoring. Secondly, the study highlighted barriers to DOAC adherence. The unavailability of the drugs and challenges in timely hospital visits were key factors affecting adherence. Patients also reported difficulties in communicating with HCPs, accessing anticoagulation clinics on time, and obtaining their DOACs promptly. Lastly, the study proposed strategies to enhance the safety of DOACs. The need for theory-based interventions was emphasized to boost patient knowledge, understanding, and shared decision-making, thereby optimizing DOAC use and safety. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of patient education, improved communication with HCPs, and timely access to […]

Join us as we explore the dynamic world of compounding pharmacies tackling the challenging semaglutide shortages head-on. Compounding pharmacies have stepped up to address the shortage of two semaglutide products, Ozempic and Wegovy. Consequently, they’re facing increased scrutiny from federal and state regulators, as well as Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of these products. Novo Nordisk is actively monitoring and taking action against entities unlawfully selling compounded semaglutide. The company has sent cease-and-desist letters to some 503A pharmacy compounders. This move is seen as the first step towards potential legal actions. The Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding has defended the rights of 503A pharmacies to compound active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in brand-name medications for specific patients, as long as the brands are on the FDA’s “currently in shortage” list. However, the distinction between legitimate 503A pharmacy compounders and shady operators has been blurred. These operators have rushed to fill the semaglutide gap without proper oversight of their compounding safety processes, source of APIs, or marketing techniques. This negligence could potentially cause serious patient harm. Kristina Bryowsky, PharmD, MBA, Vice President of Pharmacy Services for SSM Health Care, Missouri Region, believes that 503A compounding pharmacies should be allowed to make a product for […]

Explore a course created to equip pharmacists with the knowledge and abilities to assist patients who identify as transgender or gender nonconforming (TGND). The educational program “Gender-Affirming Care in Pharmacy Practice” is a comprehensive guide for pharmacists to better serve transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) patients. It provides a deep understanding of the terminology related to TGD patient populations, including definitions of gender identity, gender expression, and various gender identities. The program emphasizes the importance of gender-affirming care, which includes social, medical, psychological, and behavioral care that aligns with a person’s gender identity. It also provides guidance on how to communicate inclusively with TGD patients, such as introducing oneself with name and pronouns, asking open-ended questions, and avoiding unnecessary or invasive questions. Furthermore, the program highlights the health disparities faced by TGD individuals seeking gender-affirming care, such as higher levels of unemployment and healthcare discrimination. It also discusses the coverage of gender-affirming care by Medicaid, which varies across states. The program provides detailed information on hormone therapy for TGD patients, including testosterone and estrogen hormone therapy. It discusses the potential side effects, contraindications, and the importance of contraception for patients at risk of becoming pregnant while on testosterone therapy. Lastly, the […]