Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2021
ReviewEvidence-based treatment during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Identifying the knowns and unknowns of nebulization.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus 19 (COVID-19), has resulted in a worldwide pandemic and currently represents a major public health issue. Among the considerations for patients with respiratory disease is the optimal delivery of inhaled bronchodilators to maximize patient care. Despite the lack of evidence, there is heightened concern about the potential risk for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the form of aerosolized respiratory droplets during the nebulized treatment of patients with COVID-19. In this commentary, the lack of evidence regarding nebulization and transmission of coronaviruses are discussed.
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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) · Mar 2015
Review Case ReportsPreventing medication errors in transitions of care: A patient case approach.
To discuss common causes of medication errors occurring upon transitions of care and review key interventions that should be implemented to ensure effective communication and accurate completion of medication reconciliation. ⋯ To provide patients with accurate medication information, pharmacists should perform medication reconciliation upon transitions of care using The Joint Commission's five-step process. Pharmacists can conduct numerous interventions to prevent medication errors during transitions of care and ensure patient safety. Pharmacists are integral to evaluating the appropriateness of medication use, ensuring information is updated in the health record, and verbally communicating accurate information to other health professionals.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Jan 2014
ReviewPharmacists' role in addressing opioid abuse, addiction, and diversion.
OBJECTIVE To review the scope of the problem of opioid misuse; explore pharmacists' roles and responsibilities regarding opioid use; discuss existing laws, guidelines, and regulations governing opioid management; identify potential patient and practice management strategies to address opioid abuse; and disseminate leader insights on these issues. DATA SOURCES Information presented at a conference convened by the American Pharmacists Association (Pharmacists' Role in Addressing Opioid Abuse, Addiction, and Diversion; held November 15, 2012) and discussed in conference workgroups, as well as related information from the literature. SUMMARY Opioid misuse, abuse, and diversion has grown dramatically since the early 1990s and affects public health considerably. ⋯ Strategies are available that pharmacists can use to reduce the likelihood of opioid misuse, abuse, and diversion while minimizing the impact on legitimate pain management efforts. These strategies and tools can be used to support (1) the assessment of prescriptions that are presented for opioid medications, (2) the management of patients receiving opioids, and (3) follow-up options when misuse, abuse, or diversion has been identified. CONCLUSION Implementation of systems and processes that support pharmacist management of opioid-related issues under financially viable business models would create a number of opportunities to improve patient care.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Jan 2014
Review Practice GuidelineReprint: 2013 AHA/ACC Guideline on Lifestyle Management to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk.