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| Editor's Notebook
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New e-Connect Newsletter
Welcome to this inaugural issue of U.S. Pharmacist's e-Connect, your electronic information resource on important issues facing pharmacists in every practice setting. Each e-Connect newsletter will inform pharmacists of timely critical information from a myriad of topics stretching from the latest clinical and product information to government activities and practical tips that every pharmacist can use in their day-to-day routines. The goal of this newsletter is to extend the monthly clinical coverage and continuing education already provided to you by the print copy of U.S. Pharmacist. You can access U.S. Pharmacist by clicking the following link: www.uspharmacist.com
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| Clinical Corner | | | An Overview of Antibiotic Resistance
The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have resulted in a continuous evolution of bacteria resistant to the drugs that were previously able to control them. While the evolution of bacteria towards resistance to antimicrobial drugs represents the general evolution of bacteria that is unstoppable, much can be done to delay the subsequent spread of antibiotic resistance.
Read More >> Treatment of Osteoarthritis
It is estimated that 40 million Americans of all ages are affected by osteoarthritis and that 70% to 90% of Americans older than 75 have at least one joint involved. With recent issues surrounding NSAIDs and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, managing osteoarthritis is now more complex and individualized.
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| It's the Law | | | Federal Anti-Kickback Laws
Defendants in this case issued monthly checks-a portion of Medicare funds - to pharmacists who referred patients to their medical services companies.
Read More >> Punitive Damages
In an Alabama case addressing punitive damages, a court must determine if a pharmacist acted with "wanton" disregard for the safety of a patient.
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| Counseling Pearls | | | Treating Sore Muscles and Tendons
Muscle/tendon soreness affects virtually everyone, regardless if the patient is a serious athlete or engages in exercise on an intermittent, recreational basis. Pharmacists can recommend radically differing modalities to treat muscle soreness, including external and internal analgesics, as well as application of heating devices and constant low-level heat therapy via therapeutic heat wraps. Read More >> Dietary Supplements for Diabetes
Eighteen million people in the United States currently have diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder with devastating long-term consequences. A growing number of individuals are looking to dietary supplements to help manage their disease. Read More >> |
| Educational Spotlight | | | Low Back Pain: Patient Management
Low back pain (LBP) is the second most common reason for a physician visit, affecting at least 80% of Americans at some point during their lifetime. The condition has an estimated annual cost of $35 billion to $50 billion and is the second most frequent cause for loss of work, resulting in such indirect costs as lost wages, decreased productivity, workers compensation claims, and absenteeism. Acute LBP, the most common type, is characterized by symptoms of less than three month's duration that are usually described as mechanical or as pain that is aggravated by motion and relieved by rest.
Read More >> Other Featured CEs: | Back to Top
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Alexandria, VA
- Bruce Roberts, R.Ph, Executive Vice President and CEO of NCPA reports there are now more than a hundred cosponsors of the Part D prompt payment legislation and according to Roberts it is being endorsed in the House. "It's clear that Congress realizes there are flaws in the program that need fixing," he said. Data from two recent NCPA surveys reveal that Part D has caused serious cash flow problems for more than 90 percent of family-owned pharmacists and more than 60 percent were forced to obtain outside funds to cover financial shortfalls. NCPA claims that the average pharmacy owner is waiting on more than $60,000 in Part D payments from Medicare.
Deerfield, Ill.
- Walgreens announced it will merge with Delaware-based Happy Harry's pharmacy chain. The merger includes all 76 Happy Harry's stores in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey as well as the chain's corporate office and distribution center n Newark, DE
New York
- Mercer's 2006 Pharmacy Compensation Survey - Spring Edition uncovered that nationally, staff pharmacists' median total cash compensation (base salary plus bonus) rose by 5.4% to $98,300. Other pharmacy related jobs also rose by greater than 4.2%. This includes team managers, pharmacy technicians, and recent pharmacy graduates.
Chicago
- The AMA is asking the FDA to establish a waiting period on direct-to-consumer advertising after it approves a new drug. The action was prompted from physician complaints that their patients were demanding inappropriate drugs driven by the advertisements. There was the added concern of recent recalls of high profile drugs.
Parsippany, N.J.
- Novartis Consumer Health is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of all Vapor Patch product marketed under the Triaminic brand due to the serious adverse health effects that could result if the product is ingested by the child removing the patch and chewing on it. Consumers who have Triaminic Vapor Patches should stop using them immediately. Novartis Consumer Health reports there have been multiple reported complaints, including seizures. All lots are being recalled in both product lines of mentholated cherry scent and menthol scent.
Bethesda, MD
- The American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) issued comprehensive recommendations to protect health care workers and patients from exposure to known carcinogens and other hazardous substances. The guidelines can be used to develop and implement safety programs that cover all aspects of the handling of hazardous drugs, from receipt to disposal. They can be found online at Click here. They will also appear in the 2006-2007 edition of ASHP's Best Practices for Hospital & Health-System Pharmacy. |
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