Optimizing Medication Therapy & Improving Outcomes

October 15, 2015


Gastric Acid Suppressants and Association With Fractures in Women

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are heavily utilized gastric acid suppressants, and more potential adverse effects are being attributed to these agents. With gastrointestinal conditions increasingly commonplace, many patients are using PPIs continuously for years even though most of the drugs lack extensive long-term data and are FDA-approved for much shorter durations of therapy. An area of controversy, but with a considerable and still-growing body of evidence, is the association of PPIs and perhaps H2RAs with fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women. Read more.

Appropriate Use of Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhalers for Asthma

Over the last several decades, multiple studies have identified improper asthma rescue inhaler technique as a clinically important correlate of unstable disease and increased use of healthcare services. It is believed that inconsistencies in what is described as “proper” technique by various sources may contribute to patient confusion and poor outcomes in clinical practice. It is important to review pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) protocols as defined by the literature and manufacturers, as well as to understand how the technique employed in each step affects the delivered dose. Presumably, knowledge of this information will clarify aspects of pMDI usage that are potentially confusing, as well as inform patient education and the development of effective asthma action plans. Read more.

Counseling Male Patients on Testosterone Replacement Therapy

There have been recent updates to testosterone product labeling and additional warnings concerning increased adverse outcomes. With these latest safety updates and required boxed warnings, pharmacists are in an influential position to promote evidence-based counseling on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and to advocate for proper follow-up and monitoring. Additionally, pharmacists are in an accessible position within communities to answer patients’ questions regarding TRT efficacy and safety. Read more.

Medication Therapy Management in the News

Combination Medication Decreases Agitation in Alzheimer’s

Agitation was reduced in patients with probable Alzheimer’s disease who received a combination medication, dextromethorphan-quinidine, compared to placebo. Read more.

Probiotics Change Gut Bacteria in Infants Treated for Milk Allergy

Infants who became tolerant after probiotic treatment had higher levels of several strains of bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which help maintain homeostasis in the gut. Read more

Drug Users More Likely to Acquire MRSA in Community

Research conducted by infectious disease specialists at the University of Chicago finds that current or former drug use is a strong predictor for acquiring the leading strain of MRSA. Read more.

ADT Lowers Survival in Prostate Cancer Patients With Certain Comorbidities

A long-term follow-up study indicates that men with comorbidities receiving both androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and radiation therapy (RT) had reduced survival compared to patients receiving RT alone. Read more.