Category Archives: Pharmacy

Cancer centers across the United States continue to grapple with chemotherapy drug shortages, impacting patient care and treatment options. A recent survey conducted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) reveals the persistent challenges faced by healthcare providers in accessing essential medications. Woman receiving chemotherapy treatment Image credit: RFBSIP | stock.adobe.com The NCCN’s September 2023 […]

Opioid stewardship is a critical aspect of healthcare, demanding careful consideration of patient safety, cost-effectiveness, and efficient workflows. This discussion, led by pharmacy experts Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA, CPEL; Megan Mitchell, PharmD, MS; Stephanie Abel, PharmD, BCPS; and Jennifer Grate, CPhT, explores the significant advantages of using prefilled syringes for opioid medications. This approach […]

Smoking significantly weakens the respiratory system, making it more susceptible to various infections, including bacterial pneumonia caused by pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae. Cigarette smoke damages the delicate lining of the airways and inhibits the natural defense mechanisms that protect against harmful bacteria. The harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke paralyze the tiny hair-like structures called cilia […]

Tranexamic acid (TXA), a vital medication for controlling bleeding, has unfortunately been involved in serious medication errors, particularly inadvertent spinal injections. One such incident, brought to light by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), involved a physician mistakenly administering TXA instead of bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia. This error, occurring shortly after an FDA warning, […]

The fight against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has taken a significant step forward with the development and validation of a groundbreaking 3D Vaxlock platform technology by Calder Biosciences. This innovative approach, focusing on the RSV fusion (F) protein, has demonstrated an 11-fold increase in immune response effectiveness compared to traditional methods, according to a study […]

The role of the pharmacist has evolved significantly over the past few decades, transitioning from primarily dispensing medications to becoming an integral part of the healthcare team. Today, pharmacists offer a wide array of services, contributing to a more holistic and patient-centered approach to care. This article explores the evolving role of pharmacists, emphasizing their […]

Women’s health and wellness has historically been an underserved area, with significant gaps in research, funding, and accessible information. A panel discussion at the 2023 NACDS Total Store Expo in San Diego, California, hosted by the women executive leaders community (WE), highlighted these challenges and emphasized the crucial need for progress. The panel urged attendees […]

Brimonidine tartrate and timolol maleate ophthalmic solution 0.2%/0.5% is now available as an affordable generic alternative to Combigan®. This combination medication is prescribed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. This article provides essential information about this generic medication, including its mechanism of action, proper usage, and potential side […]

Biosimilars offer a cost-effective alternative to reference biologics, but navigating the switching process within specialty pharmacies can be complex. This article examines current switching practices between reference products, biosimilars, and among different biosimilars, exploring strategies for streamlining these procedures. We’ll also delve into the effectiveness of automatic substitutions based on interchangeability and collaborative practice agreements […]

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid production. It’s commonly prescribed for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, and ulcers. Azurity Pharmaceuticals now offers FIRST®-Pantoprazole 4 mg/mL in a convenient compounding kit, providing a flexible option for patients requiring a liquid suspension. This compounding kit contains pantoprazole sodium USP […]