Articles related to Clinical Pharmacology

According to the FDA, more than 101,000 fatal overdoses were reported during the 12-month period that ended in October 2022. Nearly half of fatal overdoses involve bystanders, but naloxone is only used in a small percentage of those situations. According to medical professionals who support the approval, there would be a critical opportunity to close this gap and lower the number of opioid-related deaths if naloxone were available over-the-counter.

The DEA has issued a warning after discovering xylazine, a tranquilizer for large animals, in almost 25% of the fentanyl powder it seized in 2022. Extensive, necrotic skin ulcerations brought on by xylazine can even result in amputation due to the drug’s ability to impair breathing and cause overdoses. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would reclassify the drug as a Schedule III drug, designate it as an emerging threat, and give the DEA the ability to monitor the drug’s production.

When a pharmacy experiences a data breach, the incident may be expensive to fix, interfere with patient care, and lead to legal action. Pharmacies are a “treasure trove” of information for criminals because they hold financial and healthcare information, making them the golden goose for criminals. Everyone is a target, from big chains to tiny independent pharmacies. Experts offer guidance on how to maintain vigilance.

Anyone who handles controlled substances must review their policies and procedures for identifying suspect prescriptions and taking appropriate action when necessary. Safe controlled substance (CS) handling procedures must also be followed by manufacturers and distributors. Thankfully, pharmacies can use tactics to spot questionable prescriptions, evade DEA inspections, and—most importantly—protect the health of their customers. But what comes first? Understanding what a red-flag prescription is.

Pandemic-era telemedicine exceptions that currently allow telehealth prescription of Schedule II narcotics and stimulants without an initial in-person evaluation are to be ended on May 11.

Sibutramine, a serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure that may place individuals with cardiovascular disease at risk.