Compounded products recalled

Med Prep Consulting, Inc., a compounding pharmacy in Tinton Falls, N.J., is voluntarily recalling all lots of compounded products from its facility for fear of mold contamination, according to an FDA press release. » Full article

FDA diabetes drugs warning

Diabetes drugs including exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon), liraglutide (Victoza), sitagliptin (Januvia, Janumet, Janumet XR, Juvisync), saxagliptin (Onglyza, Kombiglyze XR), alogliptin (Nesina, Kazano, Oseni), and linagliptin (Tradjenta, Jentadueto) are being evaluated by FDA for a potential link to pancreatitis and precancerous changes of the pancreas. » Full article

Generic exclusion agreements

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy is urging US House leaders to consider a number of proposals to rein in federal spending on healthcare without compromising the popular programs of Medicare and Medicaid. » Full article

Niacin ER not for pre-existing CVD

The use of extended-release niacin as an adjunct to statins does not reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, according to researchers who led the HPS2-THRIVE study. The results of the study were reported at the American College of Cardiology conference in San Francisco on March 9. » Full article

Download Case Study : Reduce Rx Costs and Improve Member Health

Denying high-priced Rx claims may contain costs in the short term, but this practice can lead to poor adherence and complications for patients. Download this case study to learn how health plans can reduce drug spend with more affordable medication alternatives and provider and member education.

Continuing Education

LIVE EVENT!

Medication Therapy Management for Patients with Diabetes CPE Series

Reserve the dates—May 22 or May 23—to attend an innovative 6-hour live program at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy campus. Learn motivational interviewing skills, apply medication therapy management concepts to patients with diabetes, and practice your new skills to earn 6 CPE credits and a certificate of achievement (additional 6 CPE credits are awarded for post-activity requirements) – for a total of 12 CPE credits.

Prerequisite: Completion prior to the event of the 7 knowledge-based and 3 application-based activities in this CPE series by University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy and Drug Topics.

Click here for more information and to register.

Diabetes CPE Series: March activity available now

Welcome to the seventh and last knowledge-based activity in our CPE series: Medication Therapy Management (MTM) in Patients with Diabetes, which has been designed for pharmacists who take care of patients with diabetes. You can earn up to 14 credits from September 2012-March 2013 with 7 monthly knowledge-based activities. The March activity covers drug-induced hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, nonprescription medications, and complementary and alternative medicine for diabetes 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 login.

New online interactive case studies available now

Welcome to Case Studies in Diabetes Care-Part 1. This is the first of three studies offering you an opportunity to apply diabetes management concepts from the knowledge-based diabetes series. Earn 1 hour of CPE credit by completing this application-based activity.

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.

An update in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent neurobehavioral disorder in children. ADHD is a chronic, debilitating condition that affects approximately 5.4 million children aged 4 to 17 in the United States. Prevalence estimates have varied from 3% to 7% in school-aged children, and recent parent surveys reveal that 9.4% of children aged 4 to 17 in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. Boys are diagnosed with ADHD 4 times as often as girls. This difference could be due to both a selection bias, since boys are more active, as well as to a true gender difference.2 The annual cost of ADHD for each child is estimated to be between $12,005 and $17,458 in the United States. The 2005 annual societal costs are estimated to be between $36 billion and $52 billion. ADHD was previously thought to be a childhood disorder with adults outgrowing symptoms, but ADHD has been shown to continue into adulthood in up to 60% of patients. » Full article

• Fungal meningitis outbreak

• Pancreatitis reported with GLP-1 drugs

• AMCP: Evaluate quality measures in exchanges

• Calcium intake and CVD in women

SURVEY

With the FDA-issued warning about the possibility of a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm in patients at higher risk for heart problems who receive azithromycin (Zithromax), what action will your organization take?

— Employ DUR edits to screen/block
azithromycin Rxs for patients on CV meds.

— Conduct provider education only.

— Wait for more definitive evidence or
clear guidance from national bodies.

Click Here to let us know.

RESOURCES

Drug Watch

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