Opioid Rx by many providers: Hospitalization goes up

More than 30% of Medicare Part D beneficiaries who receive opioid prescriptions are prescribed them from multiple providers, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal. This practice, which goes against recommended guidelines of a single provider prescribing opioids for a patient, was found to be associated with higher rates of opioid-related hospitalization.
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COPD risk scale

In an attempt to determine which patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at high risk for serious adverse events upon presentation to the emergency department, Canadian researchers identified 10 clinical characteristics and developed a preliminary risk scale to help standardize the admission practices of these patients. » Full article

Continuing Education

New CPE series: MTM Considerations for Adult Patients with CVD

Drug Topics kicks off a new CPE series, MTM Considerations for Adult Patients with Cardiovascular Disease, which will include 12 knowledge-based activities worth up to 24 credits. The goal of the first activity, “MTM essentials for cholesterol management,” will empower pharmacists to utilize current understanding of cholesterol management to improve patient care. To read and print the article with TEST QUESTIONS, click here. To proceed to the online exams and earn up to 2 CPE credits, click here to log in.

Announcement: Welcome to the new user registration process. This new process requires all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to provide or update their NABP e-Profile ID in order to electronically keep track of CPE credits from ACPE-accredited providers. If you have not done so, you can obtain your NABP e-Profile ID now at www.MyCPEmonitor.net. This profile will enable you to have one login for all the NABP programs and services you will need throughout your career.

VIDEO: New hepatitis C drugs better and faster

Less than three years ago, the FDA approved two new breakthrough drugs for treating chronic hepatitis C (HCV)—Victrelis (boceprevir) and Incivek (telaprevir)—the first protease inhibitors approved for HCV. Although their introductions caught the attention of the marketplace, their successors are arriving quickly. » Full article

• Opioid use among pregnant women: Surprising rate

• 30-day hospital readmission rates vary after inpatient rehab

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