Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA
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The epidemic of opioid prescription deaths in recent years resulted in the recent rescheduling of hydrocodone-containing products to restrict access to them. Opioid users have recognized that loperamide can ameliorate withdrawal symptoms and also produce euphoria in very high doses. This article discusses the potential for loperamide misuse and abuse and examines trends in the increasing number of published cases of loperamide toxicity. ⋯ Loperamide misuse and abuse is increasing in the United States, and pharmacists are encouraged to monitor and restrict their sales.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · May 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialPharmacist-to-prescriber intervention to close therapeutic gaps for statin use in patients with diabetes: A randomized controlled trial.
To assess the effect of a community pharmacist-led intervention on the proportion of patients with diabetes placed on statin therapy. ⋯ Through a brief pharmacist-to-provider intervention, a significant gap closure in statin therapy was seen in patients with diabetes. There is an opportunity for pharmacies, health plans, and prescribers to utilize the community pharmacist in achieving quality, evidence-based patient care.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Nov 2019
Randomized Controlled TrialPharmacist linkage in care transitions: From academic medical center to community.
To improve the care of patients discharged from the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) after treatment for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; reduce preventable hospital readmissions; and inform future care transition collaborations between hospital teams and community pharmacies. ⋯ With access to patient records, pharmacists have the potential to positively affect patient outcomes through medication management during care transitions.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2021
The pharmacist's active role in combating COVID-19 medication misinformation.
Pharmacists listen to and dispel medication misinformation daily. Because of their accessibility, pharmacists have the opportunity during pharmacist-patient interactions to begin a dialogue with their patients and provide critical education to improve patient safety and public health. Current examples of pharmacists intervening with medication misinformation include addressing the antivaccination community, educating on the safety of generic drugs, and using evidence-based medicine for antimicrobial stewardship. ⋯ Pharmacists can help patients recognize misinformation by vetting sources of information and communicating how negative emotional information circulates. In addition, pharmacists combat misinformation with patients by providing accurate alternative explanations in patient-friendly language. Although it is easier to stay silent and let misinformation circulate, pharmacists must work with their health care team members to actively reject misinformation pertaining to medications, COVID-19 pharmacotherapy and vaccinations, and in any future public health crisis.