Category Archives: Pharmacy

Summer Heat Increases In-Hospital Respiratory Disease Mortality

Summer Heat Increases In-Hospital Respiratory Disease Mortality

The impact of ambient temperature on in-hospital mortality from respiratory diseases has been a subject of increasing concern. A recent study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health reveals a surprising connection: warmer temperatures during the summer months can actually worsen inpatient mortality rates for these conditions. This finding has significant implications for healthcare preparedness […]

Emerging Therapies Offer Hope for Myelofibrosis Treatment

Emerging Therapies Offer Hope for Myelofibrosis Treatment

Myelofibrosis, a rare bone marrow cancer, presents significant challenges for patients and healthcare professionals. However, recent research advancements, particularly those presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting, offer a glimmer of hope with the emergence of promising new therapies. This article will explore three key emerging therapies for myelofibrosis, providing insights from […]

Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Enhertu in HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer

Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Enhertu in HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer

Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu), developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, has received breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA for treating unresectable or metastatic hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-low breast cancer. This designation applies to patients with IHC 1+, IHC 2+/ISH-, or HER2 ultralow (IHC >0 <1+) status who have progressed after two lines of endocrine therapy in […]

Ongoing Chemotherapy Drug Shortages Impact Cancer Treatment Centers

Ongoing Chemotherapy Drug Shortages Impact Cancer Treatment Centers

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 […]

Optimizing Opioid Management with Prefilled Syringes: Benefits for Patients and Healthcare Professionals

Optimizing Opioid Management with Prefilled Syringes: Benefits for Patients and Healthcare Professionals

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 […]

Understanding the Impact of Smoking on Respiratory Infections

Understanding the Impact of Smoking on Respiratory Infections

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 […]

Preventing Tranexamic Acid Medication Errors: Doctor and Pharmacist Recommendations

Preventing Tranexamic Acid Medication Errors: Doctor and Pharmacist Recommendations

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, […]

Enhancing RSV Vaccine Efficacy: 3D Vaxlock Technology Shows Promise

Enhancing RSV Vaccine Efficacy: 3D Vaxlock Technology Shows Promise

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 […]

Pharmacist’s Role in Modern Healthcare: Expert Advice and Medication Management

Pharmacist’s Role in Modern Healthcare: Expert Advice and Medication Management

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 […]

Empowering Women’s Health and Wellness: Bridging the Gap in Information and Care

Pharmacist consulting with a patient.

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 […]