Community/Retail

The 2009 National Pharmacist Workforce Survey found pharmacists in high demand for activities ranging from patient care services to business management.

In honor of Earth Week (April 17-24), the National Community Pharmacists Association is initiating a program to help pharmacists help patients safely discard unused and expired medications.

Patients with hypertension achieve greater blood pressure control when treatment plans include pharmacist intervention, according to a recent study.

Caregivers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients should understand the symptoms, stages, and treatments for AD, which is the most common form of dementia. Because AD can take a toll on friends and family members as well, tips for helping caregivers cope are also included.

Mail-order pharmacies are increasingly seen by insurance providers as a viable cost-cutting measure.

A proposed legislative measure, introduced by Rep. Peter Welch (D, VT), aims to reduce prescription drug costs for Medicare patients by enabling price negotiation.

Patients taking higher doses of opioids face an increased risk of overdose, according to a recent study. Through targeted patient education initiatives, pharmacists can help reduce that risk.

As new allegations against the Church of Scientology pose additional threats to the religion's beleaguered public image, Scientologists are relying on their volunteer missions in Haiti to generate good will.

In an article in the New York State Pharmacist, Richard O'Brocta, PharmD, outlines the traits of professionalism. Some argue the newest generation of pharmacists lack these essential, innate characteristics; others say they can be learned. What's your take?

In a new study, residents of Western cities ranked consistently higher in physical and mental health than other areas of the country.

A recent study conducted by scientists at the British Medical Research Council adds low IQ to the short list of known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

FDA warnings and packaging regulations on nicotine aids may encourage smokers to keep smoking, according to a petition issued by 2 cessation groups.

In anticipation of its annual summit on Capitol Hill, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores is urging pharmacists of all stripes to participate in pro-pharmacy grassroots efforts.

Covering key finding #5 - Efficacy is the most important consideration for pharmacists providing counsel about OTC cold and flu products; oral zinc-based remedies found most effective in shortening the duration of a cold The final audio podcast is now available at www.pharmacytimes.com/cold-and-flu and www.Zicam.com. The survey showed 66 percent of pharmacists who feel treating early is very important are more likely to rate oral zinc-based remedies as effective at quickly shortening a cold’s duration; however, despite the fact that oral zinc-based remedies are seen as more effective to shorten the duration of a cold, 53 percent of pharmacists are most likely to recommend multi-symptom relief products to help patients who come in at the first sign of symptoms get over their cold faster. Dr. Eckel and the roundtable discussed how there are a lot of misperceptions with multi-symptoms products; however, because patients rarely seek treatment at first signs, pharmacists are going to recommend what they need at the stage of their illness. Discussion also included: The importance of efficacy messages relating to patient consultation. The need for product samples as well as interpretable studies that show the safety/efficacy of a product. The need for information regarding correct delivery of oral zinc-based products. We hope you have found this podcast series educational and informative. If you would like more information about the Pharmacist O.T.C. survey, the role of the pharmacist, helping patients treat their colds earlier and oral zinc based products, please visit www.pharmacytimes.com/cold-and-flu or www.Zicam.com.

Patients should understand how to use OTC and prescription medications that treat acne and follow preventive measures to reduce acne flare-ups or prevent this common dermatologic condition.