February 2010 Infectious Disease
Waste Not, Want Not: Drug Disposal and the Role of the Pharmacist
February 19, 2010
Article
Continuing Education
Finding the Right Treatment for Managing Your Acne
February 18, 2010
Article
Patient Education
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.
Smartphones: Smart Enough for Pharmacists?
February 16, 2010
Article
Pharmacy Times
Despite impressive capabilities, the precocious smartphone may need tweaking to become a fit for pharmacies.
Rx Product News Profile: A Closer Look at New FDA Actions: Centocor Ortho Biotech's Stelara
February 16, 2010
Article
Rx Product News Profile
The FDA recently approved Centocor Ortho Biotech's Stelara (ustekinumab)for the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.
The Antibiotic Minimalist: The Patient as Partner
February 16, 2010
Article
Rx Focus
Alternative treatments are available for fighting common viral infections-patients who are educated about these options can overcome the infection without antibiotics. Pharmacists can provide education and join local or national campaigns to help patients avoid antibiotic misuse.
RESPy Winner Clark an Educator at Heart
February 16, 2010
Article
RESPy Awards
Shadi Clark works to educate her community about the role of the pharmacist in health care today and the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
Specialty Pharmaceuticals: Therapy Class Review: Hepatitis C Treatment Guidelines
February 16, 2010
Article
Rx Focus
The pharmacist plays an important role in the pharmaceutical care of patients undergoing treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV). The new American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Practice Guidelines are a wealth of information about HCV and provide an invaluable foundation for the care of these patients.
The Important Role of Vitamin D
February 15, 2010
Article
OTC Focus
Vitamin D, which aids the body's immune and skeletal systems in various ways, is available in many foods and in many OTC nutritional supplements.
Urinary Tract Infections
February 15, 2010
Article
OTC Focus
Pharmacists are in a key position to advise patients with urinary tract infections on the OTC products available, including urinary analgesics and at-home test kits.
Medication Safety: Help Prevent Medication Errors in Schools
February 15, 2010
Article
Medication Safety
Pharmacists can assist school systems in developing and implementing procedures for medication administration and storage.
Pharmacy Law: Three-Year Delay in Medicaid Suspension Appealed
February 15, 2010
Article
Legal Focus
A pharmacist appealed a decision of the federal government, which was delayed by nearly 3 years, in imposing and order of exclusion in participating in health care programs receiving federal funding.
Drug Diversion and Abuse: Pseudoephedrine Tracking System-NPLEx
February 15, 2010
Article
Legal Focus
Although restrictions on the sale of pseudoephedrine products have been in place for several years, diversion of these products still occurs-a new electronic tracking system holds the promise to help curb this crime.
Rigorous Standards for Bioequivalence
February 15, 2010
Article
GPhA's Message
Although questions have been raised regarding the safety and efficacy of generic drugs, compared with their brand drug counterparts, the FDA supports the bioequivalence of generic drugs and is helping to deliver important information to patients.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Women: A Debilitating Condition
February 15, 2010
Article
Feature Focus
Counseling rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is challenging, requiring gender-specific counseling issued for women RA patients.
Do We Need More Pharmacy Schools?
February 15, 2010
Article
Editor's Note
As new schools of pharmacy are being considered around the country, the job market for pharmacy is tightening in the current economic climate.
Drug Interactions: Clopidogrel-Proton Pump Inhibitor Interaction: An Update
February 15, 2010
Article
Drug Interactions
This column is an update to the April 2008 column that discussed the possible interaction between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors-new studies and data are brought into perspective.
Counseling Tips for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
February 15, 2010
Article
Patient Counseling
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms often seek advice about the use of OTC medications. The pharmacist should determine if self-treatment is appropriate.
Counseling Patients with the Difficult Diagnosis of Hepatitis C
February 15, 2010
Article
Patient Counseling
Hepatitis C can be a challenging disease for patients. Pharmacists can be instrumental in educating their patients about the pharmacologic agents available for treatment and provide them with valuable resources to successfully manage this condition.