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Editor's Notebook |
1-800-222-1222
The number of young children hospitalized or seen in the ER for ingesting a potentially toxic dose of medication has risen dramatically. |
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Counseling Pearls |
Fructose Malabsorption: A Possible Factor in Functional Bowel Disorders
This malabsorption condition is characterized by gas, bloating, discomfort, nausea, disturbed bowel function, and gastroesophageal reflux. Elimination of dietary fructose can have a positive effect on clinical symptoms.
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Approach to Treatment and Prevention of Traveler's Diarrhea
Depending upon the region being visited, 30% to 70% of international travelers develop this disorder. Pharmacists must proactively educate travelers about preventive measures and treatment prior to their trip. |
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It's the Law |
Free Speech, Drug Marketing, and Off-Label Use
Does prohibiting off-label promotion of drugs violate commercial free speech? |
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Clinical Corner |
Management of Gastroparesis
Underlying conditions and comorbidities make it difficult to properly manage this disorder. Medication histories and side-effect profiles should be reviewed to rule out similar disorders, avoid triggers or precipitants, and prevent exacerbation. |
Reducing Pharmacy Technician Hospital Errors
The technician's role is evolving to include some of the duties traditionally performed by pharmacists. It is important to implement performance strategies for technicians that effectively prevent medication errors. |
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Consult Your Pharmacist |
Counseling Patients With Hemorrhoids
Many patients who initially seek relief through nonprescription products will need to be referred to a physician. |
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Educational Spotlight |
Drug Treatment of Addictive Diseases
Without intervention, drug and alcohol addition is a chronic and potentially fatal disease. |
Pharmacists' Role When Plan A Fails: Patient Considerations in the Dispute Over Plan B and Emergency Contraception
Beliefs aside, pharmacists should present a complete and accurate summary of available facts to their patients. |
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Paternal Genes Linked to Early Breast Cancer
Lake Success, NY — BRCA1 and BRCA2, the two most commonly inherited breast cancer (BC) mutations, can trigger the disease nearly a decade earlier when inherited paternally. The reason behind this surprising finding is unknown. In a study of 130 women with BC caused by one of these mutations, subjects with paternally inherited BRCA1 developed BC at about age 38 years, versus 45 years for maternal inheritance; for BRCA2, BC developed at about age 41 years in those with paternal inheritance, versus 50 years for maternal inheritance. Additionally, mutations occurred in families of Jamaican and Irish descent, a departure from the thought that primarily Ashkenazic Jewish women are affected. |
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FDA's Advice to Sell Plan B One-Step OTC Overruled
Silver Spring, MD — The FDA's recommendation that the age restriction on the emergency contraception pill Plan B One-Step be eliminated to allow it to be sold without a prescription to adolescents younger than 17 years was overruled by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. According to Sebelius, medical evidence from actual-use studies was insufficient to support the manufacturer's (Teva Pharmaceuticals) application to make the drug available OTC to all girls of reproductive age. The FDA, however, maintained that the safety and efficacy of the drug for all females of childbearing potential were well supported by data from the two trials conducted by Teva. The drug remains available OTC to adolescents aged 17 and older. |
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Pharmacists a Key Resource in Planning for Chemical-Weapons Attacks
Quincy, MA — Terrorist chemical-weapons attacks are a real possibility, but pharmacists' extensive knowledge of toxic agents and how to treat exposed patients makes them an invaluable asset in the event of a potential or actual attack. Clinical pharmacist and forensic pharmacologist Peter Anderson notes in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology that there are potential antidotes to nerve agents, vesicants, choking agents, blood agents, incapacitating agents, and toxic industrial chemicals that can save lives if used rapidly and correctly. Pharmacists must work to prepare emergency plans in their hospitals and collaborate with pharmacy and therapeutic committees to stock for a potential terrorist attack or chemical accident. |
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