Optimizing Medication Therapy & Improving Outcomes

April 27, 2017


Antiviral Therapy in Patients With Influenza

Less than 50% of the U.S. population obtains the seasonal influenza vaccine, and the vaccine does not confer perfect immunity. There are three types of influenza, plus numerous variations. Practitioners should be confident in the use of antiviral agents in patients with influenza. The most recent guidelines recommend the use of nonpharmacologic management and neuraminidase inhibitors to either prevent the transmission of influenza or treat the infection. Pharmacotherapy is based on an understanding of which patients are at high risk for complications—including immunocompromised persons, those aged 65 years and older, and those younger than 2 years of age—and prompt treatment upon diagnosis. Read more.

Nonoccupational Postexposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) for HIV

The CDC recently released updated guidelines for the use of antiretroviral postexposure prophylaxis after sexual contact, injection drug use, and other nonoccupational exposures to HIV. Nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP) is recommended only for HIV-negative persons who present within 72 hours after an exposure that has a substantial risk for HIV transmission. The preferred antiretroviral regimen for nPEP in adult and adolescent patients aged >13 years is tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (Truvada) plus either raltegravir or dolutegravir. Renal function and other patient-specific factors that require alternative regimens are also included in these guidelines. Pharmacists are in a key position to work with healthcare providers to select the most appropriate nPEP regimen. Read more.

HPV Infection and Warts: Review and Recent Updates (2 CE Credits)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Currently, over 200 types have been identified, with clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic infection to self-limiting warts to abnormalities that lead to different types of cancer. An appropriate screening method, along with prevention through vaccination, is key in deterring HPV-related diseases. Different treatment modalities are available for HPV-related warts, although these do not cure the infection and warts often recur. Pharmacists can play an important role in educating patients and their sexual partners about HPV, screening, and preventive strategies, as well as the different treatment modalities available for cutaneous and genital warts. Read more.

Medication Therapy Management in the News

Inhaled Corticosteroids Heighten Metabolic Syndrome Risk in Women

Researchers from The Netherlands report evidence that use of inhaled corticosteroids in women appears to lead to higher body mass index and greater likelihood of metabolic syndrome. Read more.

Risks Continue With Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Coronary Stenting

Coronary stenting patients on dual antiplatelet therapy for at least a year after the procedure still faced ischemic events and, less frequently, bleeding risks, a JAMA Cardiology study reports. Read more

No Additional Problems Seen With Longer Term Use of Denosumab

Studies reported adverse events in women aged 60 to 90 years treated with a monclonal antibody for osteoporosis, but the problems didn’t increase after more 3 years of treatment with denosumab. Read more.

New Measurement Technology Allows Reduction in Vitamin D RDA

The Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin D intake should decline from 800 to 400 International Units per day, suggests new research presented at ENDO 2017 in Orlando. Read more.