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Editor's Notebook |
Do We Really Need Health Care Reform?
There is probably no issue more divisive in the political arena today than that of health care reform. |
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Counseling Pearls |
An Overview of the Treatment and Management of Rhinosinusitis
It is a challenge to differentiate between viral and bacterial sinusitis, which have nearly identical symptoms, and when to use antibiotics. Due to these concerns, the Infectious Diseases Society of America published its first clinical practice guidelines on the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis. |
Sarcoidosis: Pathology and Treatment Considerations
Sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that often affects various systems, most commonly the lungs, is characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomas caused by the accumulation of inflammatory cells. Airway involvement may be extensive, and treatment often requires long-term administration of systemic corticosteroids. |
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It's the Law |
The Controlled Substances Pendulum
As gatekeepers of controlled substances, pharmacists must distinguish between legitimate and questionable prescriptions. |
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Clinical Corner |
Role of the Pharmacist in the Management of Adults With Pulmonary Tuberculosis
The CDC estimates that one-third of the world's population is affected by tuberculosis, with 10,521 reported cases of active TB in the United States in 2011. Management of latent and active infection requires proper administration of antituberculosis agents. |
Pleurisy: Symptom or Condition?
Pleurisy, also referred to as pleuritis, is an inflammation of the parietal pleura in the lungs. Clinically recognized as pain that is sharp, localized, and made worse by deep inspiration or coughing, pleurisy has a diverse array of possible causes. |
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Consult Your Pharmacist |
Respiratory Problems and Nonprescription Products
Some OTC medications may cause an inflammatory response in patients with respiratory conditions and should be avoided. |
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Educational Spotlight |
Erectile Dysfunction
A variety of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options are available for treating impotence. |
Fibromyalgia and the Pharmacist's Role
Widespread pain, tenderness, and fatigue are the main diagnostic criteria for this chronic disorder. |
Recent Advances in the Treatment of Psoriasis
There is presently no cure for this autoimmune disorder, and so the search continues for effective therapies. |
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FDA Approves Two Weight Loss Drugs
Silver Spring, MD — The FDA has approved two new treatments for obesity, making them the first prescription drugs for long-term weight loss to enter the U.S. market since 1999. Both Belviq (lorcaserin) and Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release) are indicated for chronic weight management in obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) adults with comorbid conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Belviq is manufactured by Arena Pharmaceuticals, and Qsymia is marketed by Vivus Inc. Both manufacturers will be required to conduct postmarketing studies, including long-term cardiovascular outcomes trials, to assess the risk for major adverse cardiac events such as heart attack and stroke. |
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Walgreens to Purchase USA Drug
Deerfield, Illinois — Walgreen Co. has announced that it is acquiring the regional drugstore chain USA Drug in a $438 million deal, which will give the company a larger presence in the southern United States. The deal involves 144 drugstores under the names USA Drug, Super D Drug, May's Drug, Med-X, and Drug Warehouse. The stores are located in Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Sales for the chain totaled $825 million in 2011. The acquired drugstores will continue to operate under their current brand names for the time being. The transaction is expected to close by September 1, 2012. |
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First Pill for HIV Prevention Approved
Silver Spring, MD — Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) has been approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection in adults who do not have HIV but are at high risk of becoming infected. The antiretroviral drug is to be taken once daily and used in combination with safer sex practices. Truvada is not a new product; it was previously approved for use in combination with other medications to treat HIV. Developed by Gilead Sciences, the estimated annual cost for the drug is $13,000. Debra Birnkrant, MD, director of the Division of Antiviral Products at the FDA, stated, "It is still better to prevent HIV than to treat a life-long infection of HIV." |
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