NPTA RSS Feed

IV Certification Course on 9-Aug-10 9:00 AM

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMT

IV Certification Course
Start Date: 9-Aug-10 9:00 AM
End Time: 10-Aug-10 5:00 PM
Location: NPTA Training Institute, 15832 W. Hardy, Suite 640, Houston, Tx 77060
Speaker: NPTA Faculty

Event Details:

Course Details
The course requirements include:
- 9 Home Study Modules
- 2 Days Hands-On Training
- 8 Process Technique Validations

>>Complete Learning Objectives

How the Course Works
Participants must complete nine separate modules of home-based learning, comprised of a reading assignment and comprehensive exam. A score of 70% or higher is required for each exam. After completing the home-based study modules, participants attend and complete NPTA’s two-day Sterile Product Training Institute, located at the NPTA Training Institute in Houston, Texas.

Home Study Modules
- Introduction to Sterile Products
- Facilities, Garb & Equipment
- Aseptic Calculations
- Properties of Sterile Products
- Aseptic Technique
- Sterile Product Preparations
- Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
- Chemotherapy
- Quality Control and Assurance

Training & Technique Validations
- Aseptic Hand Washing
- Horizontal Laminar Airflow Hood Care
- Vertical Laminar Airflow Hood Care
- Vial Manipulations
- Ampule Manipulations
- Hazardous Vial Manipulations
- Hazardous Ampule Manipulations
- TPN Compounding

Tuition Fee
$598 Members
$698 Non-Members

Please note: This course is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Rescheduling is subject to a $250 change fee and is based on availability.

What's Included
Tuition includes: Sterile Products textbook by Pearson Education, official course binder, two day hands-on training institute, lunch/snacks on both training days, use of laboratory equipment and supplies, statement of CE credit and an Official Certificate of Validated Training, upon successful completion.

CPE Credits
40.0 Contact Hours/4.0 CEU
Program Type: Practice
UAN No. 384-000-08-072-H05-T
Same as ACPE No. 384-000-05-072-H04-T
This program was released November 1, 2005 and Re-released November 2, 2008.

NPTA Training Institute

Chemo Certification Course on 11-Aug-10 8:00 AM

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Chemo Certification Course
Start Date: 11-Aug-10 8:00 AM
End Time: 11-Aug-10 5:00 PM
Location: NPTA Training Institute, 15832 W. Hardy, Suite 640, Houston, Tx 77060
Speaker: NPTA Faculty

Event Details:

Prerequisite

Participants must meet one or more of the following requirements:

Successful completion or current enrollment in NPTA's IV Certification Course
Successful completion of an ACPE-accredited course on sterile products/asepectic technique
40 contact hours or more, including both didactic and hands-on training (documentation required)
600 hours (or more) of practical experience in aseptic technique/preparing sterile products over the past twelve months. (documentation and a signed letter of attestation from the pharmacy director required)

Target Audience

- Certified Pharmacy Technicians
- Pharmacy Technician Students
- Pharmacists

Course Details
The course requirements include:
- 10 Home Study Modules
- 1 Days Hands-On Training
- 5 Process Technique Validations

>>Complete Learning Objectives

How the Course Works
Participants must complete ten separate modules of home-based learning, comprised of a reading assignment and comprehensive exams. A score of 70% or higher is required for each exam. After completing the home-based study modules, participants attend and complete NPTA’s one-day Hazardous Drugs Training Institute, located at the NPTA Training Institute in Houston, Texas.

Home Study Modules
- What are Hazardous Drugs
- ASHP and Other Guidelines
- Receipt, Storage, Labeling & Transport
- Risk Assessment, Controls & Medical Surveillance
- Biological Safety Cabinets
- Isolators
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Aseptic Technique
- Decontamination, Waste Disposal & Spill Control
- Comprehensive Final Exam

Training & Technique Validations
- Aseptic Hand Washing & Garbing
- Decontamination & Deactivation of a BSC
- Hazardous Liquid Vial Manipulations
- Hazardous Powder Vial Manipulation
- Hazardous Ampule Manipulations

Tuition Fee
$398 Members
$498 Non-Members

Please note: This course is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Rescheduling is subject to a $250 change fee and is based on availability.

What's Included
Tuition includes: Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs textbook by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, online course content access, one day of hands-on training/validations, lunch/snacks on training day, use of laboratory equipment and supplies, statement of CE credit and an Official Certificate of Validated Training, upon successful completion.

NPTA Training Institute

Compounding Certification Course on 12-Aug-10 9:00 AM

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Compounding Certification Course
Start Date: 12-Aug-10 9:00 AM
End Time: 13-Aug-10 5:30 PM
Location: NPTA Training Institute, 15832 W. Hardy, Suite 640, Houston, Tx 77060
Speaker: NPTA Faculty

Event Details:

Course Details
The course requirements include:
- 10 Home Study Modules with Exams
- 2 Days Hands-On Training

How the Course Works
Participants must complete eleven separate modules of home-based learning, comprised of a reading assignment and comprehensive exam. A score of 70% or higher is required for each exam. After completing the home-based study modules, participants attend and complete NPTA’s two-day Pharmaceutical Compounding Training Institute, located at the NPTA Training Institute in Houston, Texas.

Home Study Modules
- Introduction to Compounding/Compounding Practices & Considerations
- Facilities, Equipment & Supplies
- Quality Assurance & Record Keeping
- Capsules, Tablets & Powders
- Lozenges, Troches, Sticks & Suppositories
- Solutions, Suspensions & Emulsions
- Ointments, Creams, Pastes & Gels
- Ophthalmic, Otic & Nasal Preparations
- Medication Flavoring
- Veterinary Compounding

Hands-On Training Labs
- Capsules
- Carbomer Gels
- Creams
- Gelatin Troches
- Lip Balms
- Medicated Lollipops
- PEG Troches
- PLO Gels
- Solutions
- Suspensions
- Suppositories
- Tablet Triturates
- Coloring/Flavoring
- Quality Assurance Methods
- Record Keeping

Tuition Fee
$598 NPTA Members
$698 Non-Members

Please note: This course is non-refundable.

Rescheduling is subject to a $250 change fee and is based on availability.

What's Included

Tuition includes: Compounding textbook by Pearson Education, official course binder, two day hands-on training institute, lunch/snacks on both training days, use of laboratory equipment and supplies, statement of CE credit and an Official Certificate of Validated Training, upon successful completion.

CPE Credits
40.0 Contact Hours/4.0 CEU
Program Type: Activity
UAN No. 384-000-09-072-H04-T
384-000-09-072-H04-P
This program was released March 12, 2009.

Same as: 384-000-06-070-H04 (Released April 1, 2006)

NPTA Training Institute

IV Certification Course on 23-Aug-10 9:00 AM

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMT

IV Certification Course
Start Date: 23-Aug-10 9:00 AM
End Time: 24-Aug-10 5:00 PM
Location: NPTA Training Institute, 15832 W. Hardy, Suite 640, Houston, Tx 77060
Speaker: NPTA Faculty

Event Details:

Tuition Fee
$598 Members
$698 Non-Members

Please note: This course is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Rescheduling is subject to a $250 change fee and is based on availability.

NPTA Training Institute

Chemo Certification Course on 25-Aug-10 8:00 AM

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Chemo Certification Course
Start Date: 25-Aug-10 8:00 AM
End Time: 25-Aug-10 5:00 PM
Location: NPTA Training Institute, 15832 W. Hardy, Suite 640, Houston, Tx 77060
Speaker: NPTA Faculty

Event Details:

Prerequisite

Participants must meet one or more of the following requirements:

Successful completion or current enrollment in NPTA's IV Certification Course
Successful completion of an ACPE-accredited course on sterile products/asepectic technique
40 contact hours or more, including both didactic and hands-on training (documentation required)
600 hours (or more) of practical experience in aseptic technique/preparing sterile products over the past twelve months. (documentation and a signed letter of attestation from the pharmacy director required)

Target Audience

Tuition Fee
$398 Members
$498 Non-Members

Please note: This course is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Rescheduling is subject to a $250 change fee and is based on availability.

NPTA Training Institute

Compounding Certification Course on 26-Aug-10 9:00 AM

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Compounding Certification Course
Start Date: 26-Aug-10 9:00 AM
End Time: 27-Aug-10 5:00 PM
Location: NPTA Training Institute, 15832 W. Hardy, Suite 640, Houston, Tx 77060
Speaker: NPTA Faculty

Event Details:

Please note: This course is non-refundable.

Rescheduling is subject to a $250 change fee and is based on availability.

What's Included

NPTA Training Institute

IV Certification Course on 9-Sep-10 9:00 AM

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:00:00 GMT

IV Certification Course
Start Date: 9-Sep-10 9:00 AM
End Time: 10-Sep-10 5:00 PM
Location: NPTA Training Institute, 15832 W. Hardy, Suite 640, Houston, Tx 77060
Speaker: NPTA Faculty

Event Details:

Tuition Fee
$598 Members
$698 Non-Members

Please note: This course is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Rescheduling is subject to a $250 change fee and is based on availability.

NPTA Training Institute

Compounding Certification Course on 13-Sep-10 9:00 AM

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Compounding Certification Course
Start Date: 13-Sep-10 9:00 AM
End Time: 14-Sep-10 5:00 PM
Location: NPTA Training Institute, 15832 W. Hardy, Suite 640, Houston, Tx 77060
Speaker: NPTA Faculty

Event Details:

Please note: This course is non-refundable.

Rescheduling is subject to a $250 change fee and is based on availability.

What's Included

NPTA Training Institute

Chemo Certification Course on 15-Sep-10 8:00 AM

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Chemo Certification Course
Start Date: 15-Sep-10 8:00 AM
End Time: 15-Sep-10 5:00 PM
Location: NPTA Training Institute, 15832 W. Hardy, Suite 640, Houston, Tx 77060
Speaker: NPTA Faculty

Event Details:

Prerequisite

Participants must meet one or more of the following requirements:

Successful completion or current enrollment in NPTA's IV Certification Course
Successful completion of an ACPE-accredited course on sterile products/asepectic technique
40 contact hours or more, including both didactic and hands-on training (documentation required)
600 hours (or more) of practical experience in aseptic technique/preparing sterile products over the past twelve months. (documentation and a signed letter of attestation from the pharmacy director required)

Target Audience

Tuition Fee
$398 Members
$498 Non-Members

Please note: This course is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Rescheduling is subject to a $250 change fee and is based on availability.

NPTA Training Institute

IV Certification Course on 23-Sep-10 9:00 AM

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:00:00 GMT

IV Certification Course
Start Date: 23-Sep-10 9:00 AM
End Time: 24-Sep-10 5:00 PM
Location: NPTA Training Institute, 15832 W. Hardy, Suite 640, Houston, Tx 77060
Speaker: NPTA Faculty

Event Details:

Tuition Fee
$598 Members
$698 Non-Members

Please note: This course is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Rescheduling is subject to a $250 change fee and is based on availability.

NPTA Training Institute

Intensive Corticosteroid Treatment May be Best in Treating Severe Lupus

Kristina Michel — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:00:00 GMT

Large doses of corticosteroids given repeatedly over several weeks may be the best method of treatment for people with severe lupus, according to researchers at the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s connective tissue cells, causing inflammation in the joints, heart, skin, kidneys, lungs and blood cells. In severe cases of lupus, patients are given corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, cortisone and prednisone) to control inflammation, usually for a few days intravenously. They are later given gradually smaller doses of oral corticosteroids. According to the researchers, however, a different, more intensive form of treatment—known as pulse treatment—where the patient is given high doses of corticosteroids intravenously over several weeks, is more effective and causes fewer side effects.

“By giving the very high dose early and frequently in the course of the disease, we could actually end up using much less steroids in the long run,” said Dr. Marilynn Punaro, professor of pediatrics at UT Southwestern and co-author of the study, in a news release. “This finding suggests that by doing so, we might be able to get the disease under control more quickly and patients might experience fewer long-term side effects.”

The researchers studied human and animal cells containing lupus and evaluated how different doses of corticosteroids affected cells called plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells produce interferon alpha, which promotes the inflammation seen in lupus. According to their research, high doses of corticosteroids administered by IV were more effective in killing the plasmacytoid dentritic cells. In fact, oral corticosteroids failed to produce the same effect.

Although highly effective, corticosteroids have many severe side effects associated with long term use, including weight gain, severe acne, hyperglycemia, anxiety and osteoporosis. Punaro says their study proves why pulse treatment is more beneficial, minimizes side effects of corticosteroids and reduces the amount of corticosteroids needed to be used overall.

“If the patient receives very high doses of pulse steroids during the induction period, when steroid-sparing long-term drugs--which take a while to work--are being ramped up to an effective level, then our experience has been that we end up using fewer steroids overall,” Punaro said.

1.5 million Americans suffer from Lupus, according to the Lupus Foundation of America, and more than 16,000 new cases are reported each year across the country. Punaro said the next step in research will be to hold a clinical trial that compares the pulse treatment with standard therapy. While corticosteroids will always be a treatment option only for the most severe cases of lupus, Punaro also hopes that this research will enable doctors to use less corticosteroids more effectively.

The UT study is available online in Nature magazine.

28-Jul-10 2:00 PM

FDA Suspends Enrollment in Avandia Clinical Trial

Kristina Michel — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:00:00 GMT

The FDA told GlaxoSmithKline last week to temporarily suspend enrollment of new participants in a mandated clinical trial to study the effects of diabetes drug Avandia on the heart.

The FDA originally ordered Avandia’s manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline to conduct the Thiazolidinedione Intervention with Vitamin D Evaluation (TIDE) trial to definitively decide if Avandia poses any greater risk for heart complications than similar diabetes drug Actos, manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. However, concerned health officials have criticized the trial, saying that it is unethical to enroll participants in a trial with little to no perceived benefits. U.S. senators are also concerned not enough is being done to inform participants in the trial of recent studies on Avandia, according to a letter to the FDA from the Senate Finance Committee sent back in February.

“After reading these documents, we would like to know what steps the FDA has taken to protect patients in the TIDE trial, and why this trial is allowed to continue,” the Senate Finance Committee wrote in the letter addressed to FDA commissioner Margaret Hamburg.

An advisory panel to the FDA decided in a meeting held July 13-14 that while it agrees (in a 24-4 vote) that Avandia may pose a greater risk of heart complications than Actos, no definitive proof exists to warrant removing Avandia from the market (by a 20-12 vote). The panel did recommend that more warnings and stricter guidelines about the risks of heart complications be issued on the drug. It also recommended that the TIDE trial should continue if the FDA decides to keep Avandia on the market in a 19-11 vote.

GlaxoSmithKline said in a statement released on its website that it will cooperate with the FDA’s decision to suspend enrollment. Ellen Strahlman, the company’s chief medical officer, also said it will use the time the FDA takes to decide if Avandia should remain on the market to provide patients and researchers participating in TIDE with information on the drug that was presented to the FDA advisory panel.

“This pause in enrollment will give clinical trial investigators and patients time to learn about the data presented to the FDA Advisory Committee and the Committee’s recommendations,” Strahlman said. “We are committed to working with the FDA in the best interest of diabetic patients.”

Currently enrolled participants in the TIDE trial can still continue with the trial. The FDA has mandated that GlaxoSmithKline update officials involved in the TIDE trial on the new information presented at the advisory panel meeting and to update consent forms for current participants.

Avandia (rosiglitazone) and Actos (pioglitazone) are both part of the thiazolidinedione class of drugs that treat diabetes by reducing glucose, insulin blood concentrations and fatty acids by making the body more sensitive to insulin. Health professionals have been concerned about Avandia since a controversial meta-analysis report by Cleveland Clinic researchers Dr. Steven E. Nissen, MD and Kathy Wolski, MPH in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients taking Avandia had a 43 percent increased risk of heart attack or other cardiovascular problems compared with patients taking a placebo.

Prior to the enrollment freeze, the recruitment goal for the trial was 16,000 participants. GlaxoSmithKline had enrolled 1,324 participants spread around 353 medical centers in 23 countries prior to the FDA mandate to suspend enrollment, according to a story on CNN Health.

The FDA is still considering whether or not to remove Avandia from the market. FDA spokesman Joshua Sharfstein said in an NPR news story that the agency hopes to finish its review by the end of the summer. Doctors have advised patients taking Avandia to discuss any concerns they have about the recent controversy with their primary care physician before they decide to stop using the drug.

27-Jul-10 12:00 PM

New Painless Flu Patch Could Change How People Receive Vaccines

Kristina Michel — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:00:00 GMT

In addition to providing a painless way to deliver the influenza vaccine, a new patch consisting of tiny, microscopic needles that dissolve into the skin developed by researchers at Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology could allow patients to administer the vaccine on their own.

The patch is made of a freeze-dried form of the vaccine mixed with a polymer material and arranged into an array of 100 microscopic needles along a backing the size of an adult fingertip. The needles are so small, they can’t be felt, and they quickly dissolve as they get absorbed into the skin. The backing of the patch is also water-soluble and can be discarded in ordinary waste bins after use. Researchers at Georgia Tech and Emory ultimately hope that the patch can adapted for use with several common immunizations that patients can pick up or have mailed from a pharmacy and then self-administer at home.

“We envision people getting the patch in the mail or at a pharmacy and then self administering it at home,” Sullivan said in a news release from Emory and Georgia Tech. “Because the microneedles on the patch dissolve away into the skin, there would be no dangerous sharp needles left over.”

The scientists compared the patch with administering the vaccine through a syringe in different groups of mice. According to the study, both methods proved equally effective in protecting one group of mice from infection from the seasonal flu virus 30 days later. However, after a second group of mice was infected three months after vaccination, scientists discovered the mice vaccinated with the patch were able to clear the virus more effectively from their lungs than the ones vaccinated via syringe. Richard Compans, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Emory, believes that the mirconeedle patch was more effective because the vaccine is absorbed through the skin instead of through the muscle as it would be from a syringe.

“The skin is a particularly attractive site for immunization because it contains an abundance of the types of calls that are important in generating immune responses to vaccines,” Compans said.

The patch still requires further clinical study. According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, it could be available in only five years. Researchers hope that the patch’s ease and efficiency of delivery will also help people in poorer nations, where poorer medical conditions can prompt the re-use of syringes and increase the risk of contracting diseases like HIV and hepatitis. They also see it simplifying vaccination programs in schools and assisted living facilities.

The study on the patch was published in the July 18 issue of Nature Medicine online.

21-Jul-10 1:00 PM

FDA Warns of Stolen Advair

Kristina Michel — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:00:00 GMT

The FDA has issued a warning for pharmacy professionals, doctors and patients to watch out for stolen Advair diskus inhalers being sold in pharmacies.

FDA investigators discovered that the inhalers, which Advair’s manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline reported stolen in 2009, have found their way into pharmacies and may have been inadvertently sold to patients. The FDA is concerned that the stolen medications may have been tampered with or improperly stored before they made it to pharmacies and could cause adverse reactions in patients. Pharmacy professionals and consumers should check their Advair supplies for the following lot numbers:

Lot 9ZP2255 - NDC 0173-0696-00, Advair Diskus 250/50, 60 Dose, Exp: Sep 2010
Lot 9ZP3325 - NDC 0173-0697-00, Advair Diskus 500/50, 60 Dose, Exp: Sep 2010

Advair medications containing these lot numbers should be immediately removed from the pharmacy supply and reported to the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations. Patients with inhalers containing these lot numbers should stop using them immediately and contact GlaxoSmithKline’s Customer Response Center and follow up with their physician or pharmacist to get a replacement inhaler.

More information on the warning on Advair medications is available on the FDA news release and on the GlaxoSmithKline news release.

20-Jul-10 9:00 AM

FDA Advisory Panel Reviews Avandia

Kristina Michel — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:00:00 GMT

An FDA advisory panel of medical experts that met on Tuesday has decided by a 20-12 majority that the diabetes drug Avandia will remain on the market but with stricter guidelines and warnings about the risks of heart complications.

The panel’s decision is the latest in a string of controversy that has surrounded Avandia (also known by the generic name rosiglitazone) ever since a 2007 report in the New England Journal of Medicine suggested that use of the drug could increase the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular complications. According to news reports from the Associated Press, the panel voted in favor of leaving the drug on the market due to conflicting and inconclusive evidence on both sides of the issue.

"I didn't want to take away a drug without definitive evidence that it was bad for those few patients who need it," said Lamont Weide to the Associated Press, one of the panelists who voted to leave the drug on the market with new restrictions.

The controversy surrounding Avandia started in 2007. Cleveland Clinic researchers Dr. Steven E. Nissen, MD and Kathy Wolski, MPH, published a meta-analysis report in the New England Journal of Medicine that found patients taking Avandia had a 43 percent increased risk of heart attack or other cardiovascular problems compared with patients taking a placebo. This prompted the FDA to call a meeting that same year to decide whether or not to pull Avandia off the market. As it did this week, the panel voted to let Avandia remain on the market but with a safety alert and a black box warning.

The risk of cardiovascular problems associated with Avandia was further evaluated in the RECORD trial, which was conducted by Avandia’s manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline. In the trial, Avandia was compared against another popular diabetes medication, metformin. The trial, published in 2009, concluded that Avandia posed no greater risk for heart complications than metformin. However, the trial has received criticism from medical experts and politicians, and it divided officials within the FDA itself, such as Dr. Thomas Marciniak of the FDA division of cardiovascular products, who in the New York Times accused GlaxoSmithKline of inadequately conducting the trial. The controversy reached its climax on Tuesday, when the new FDA advisory panel met to review the RECORD trial and other clinical studies that have been published since the first panel review.

In a statement by GlaxoSmithKline, the company held that Avandia is safe and effective when used by the correct patient in accordance with product labeling. It also said that when the clinical trials held since 2007 are judged as a whole, Avandia poses no greater risk for heart complications than other diabetes drugs on the market.

“Results from six controlled clinical trials have been reported since the FDA last reviewed questions about the cardiovascular safety of Avandia in 2007,” the company statement said. “Together, these trials show that Avandia does not increase the overall risk of heart attack, stroke or death.”

Avandia was originally approved in 1999 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The drug is a part of the thiazolidinedione class of drugs that reduces glucose, insulin blood concentrations and fatty acids by making the body more sensitive to insulin. Critics of Avandia have suggested that Avandia be removed and patients taking the drug should instead use Actos (pioglitazone), manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, another thiazolidinedione that works much like Avandia without the associated heart risks. Although the panel voted to let Avandia remain on the market, it seemed to agree with critics, voting 21-4 that Avandia is more likely to cause heart problems than Actos. Actos, however, has also been found to increase the risk of bone fractures in women.

The advisory panel’s decision is not binding, and the FDA intends to review the risks associated with Avandia further, but it may be months before the agency comes to a final decision. As part of its review, which began in February, the FDA mandated that GlaxoSmithKline hold a clinical trial to decide definitively whether or not Avandia poses any greater risk of heart problems than Actos. GlaxoSmithKline is still recruiting patients worldwide, but it has experienced some trouble recruiting participants. The government of India placed a hold on studies going on in trial sites in its country due to the controversy surrounding Avandia. GlaxoSmithKline still hopes to recruit 16,000 participants with an expected completion date in 2015.

A similar study led by Dr. David J. Graham from the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that Avandia posed a 25 percent higher risk of heart attack and a 27 percent higher risk of stroke than Actos did in elderly patients.

Physicans have cautioned that patients who are currently taking Avandia should not stop using it in spite of the scrutiny the drug has received. In a joint-statement issued by the Endocrine Society, the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, doctors representing all three organizations said patients should discuss any concerns they have about the news surrounding Avandia with their primary care physician before they decide to stop taking it.

"Patients should continue taking all currently prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise by their health care provider," said Dr. Robert A. Vigersky, past president of the Endocrine Society. "Stopping diabetes medications can cause significant harm and result in higher levels of blood glucose that may cause severe short term health problems and could increase the risk of diabetes-related complications in the long term."

15-Jul-10 10:00 AM

Scientists Discover Potent HIV Antibodies That Could Boost Vaccine Research

Kristina Michel — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have discovered three important human antibodies, two of which were able to neutralize 91 percent of known strains of HIV, that could play a significant role in HIV/AIDS vaccine research.

The antibodies, referred to as VRC01, VRC02 and VRC03, were discovered through a special molecular device that examines specific cells that make antibodies against HIV. According to the team, which was led by Drs. Peter D. Kwong, Ph.D., John R. Mascola, M.D. and Gary J. Nabel, M.D., Ph.D. at the NIAID Vaccine Research Center, VRC01 and VRC02 neutralized 91 percent of HIV strains while VRC03 neutralized 57 percent.

"The antibodies attach to a virtually unchanging part of the virus, and this explains why they can neutralize such an extraordinary range of HIV strains," said Mascola, who is also the deputy director of the NIAID Vaccine Research Center, in a news release.

In addition to discovering the three antibodies, the team was able to map the atomic structure of VRC01 and learn exactly where it attaches to HIV strains. Researchers have been trying to find and use HIV antibodies for years to create a vaccine. The problem is that the disease is already at an advanced stage by the time people begin producing antibodies, rendering most antibodies ineffective. Also, HIV varies by several different subtypes and is highly mutable. However, by identifying VRC01, VRC02 and VRC03 and understanding how they work, scientists hope to design a vaccine that can prevent HIV before people can even get infected.

“The discovery of these exceptionally broadly neutralizing antibodies to HIV and the structural analysis that explains how they work are exciting advances that will accelerate our efforts to find a preventive HIV vaccine for global use,” said NIAID director Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.

Manipulating the antibodies to create an effective vaccine will still take years of research and development. For now, scientists are content with the fact that this research has brought them one step closer to understanding how the body fights HIV and how to use that knowledge to develop a cure. Fauci also hopes that the technique the NIAID team used to identify the antibodies can be used to find effective antibodies for other infectious diseases.

“In addition, the technique the teams used to find the new antibodies represents a novel strategy that could be applied to vaccine design for many other infectious diseases,” Fauci said.

The NIAID research is now available online in the July edition of Science magazine.

14-Jul-10 12:00 PM

Study Ties Gene in Fat Cells to Type 2 Diabetes

Kristina Michel — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:00:00 GMT

A new study by researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) suggests that a specific gene in found in the fat cells could play a major role in the development of Type 2 Diabetes.

According to the UC study, led by Dr. Jorge Moscat, Ph.D., chair of the University of Cincinnati cancer cell and biology department, fat cells are regulated by a gene known as protein kinase C-zeta (PKC-zeta). Obesity, however, can cause the fat cells to become inflamed, which causes PKC-zeta to release a substance called IL-6. IL-6 travels to the liver, eventually causing the insulin resistance that leads to Type 2 Diabetes.

Moscat says this research is unique in that earlier studies had said a different gene called JNK1, known to regulate immune cells, also regulated fat cells and therefore was behind the inflammation in fat cells that could ultimately lead to Type 2 Diabetes.

"This finding is quite novel because current drug development efforts target immune cells to eliminate this hyperinflammation. Our research suggests obesity-related glucose intolerance has nothing to do with the immune system. It may be more effective to target adipocytes (fat cells),” said Moscat in a UC press release.

Type 2 Diabetes affects more than 23 million Americans, according to the CDC. According to Moscat, drug developers are currently working on treatments for Type 2 Diabetes that target JNK1, so these treatments could affect the both fat cells and immune cells. However, if PKC-zeta is what is really causing fat cells to become inflamed, drug developers will be able to produce pharmaceuticals that can treat Type 2 Diabetes without compromising the immune system.

Moscat and his colleagues are currently working with the University of Cincinnati’s Drug Discovery Department to develop compounds that regulate PKC-zeta for further research. In addition to treating Type 2 Diabetes, Moscat hopes that this research can help explain the role PKC-zeta plays in tumor growth and help researchers develop new drugs to prevent certain cancers.

“We believe a similar mechanism of action is at play in malignant tumor development,” Moscat said. “Now we are trying to understand how PKC-zeta regulates IL-6 to better determine how we can manipulate the protein to help prevent diabetes and cancer.”

The study is available online in the July issue of Cell Metabolism.

9-Jul-10 10:00 AM

International Study to Examine Benefits of Aspirin in the Elderly

Kristina Michel — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:00:00 GMT

United States and Australia researchers are collaborating to assess the health benefits of aspirin in the elderly in the largest international trial ever sponsored by the U.S.National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Led by researchers from Monash University in Australia and the Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation in Minnesota, the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) clinical trial will recruit 19,000 participants from the U.S. and Australia to determine whether taking an aspirin a day can help prolong life and reduce the risk of disability or dementia in people over 70. NIA awarded $50 million last year to help fund the ASPREE trial, one of the largest contributions it has ever awarded an international study.

“ASPREE is unprecedented in that it’s the largest trial and the first international trial the NIA has ever done,” said Dr. Richard Grimm, Medical Director of the Berman Center for Outcomes and Clinical Research and the lead researcher of the ASPREE trial in the U.S, in a press release. “What we learn from this study will help determine whether physicians recommend aspirin as preventative medicine to their older patients.”

Participants in the trial will be randomly assigned either a low-dose aspirin or a placebo to take daily. Researchers will evaluate their progress over a period of five years. According to John McNeil, the head of the Monash School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine and lead researcher of the ASPREE trial in Australia, a daily dose of aspirin is known to help prevent heart attacks and some forms of stroke, and it may also help prevent mental decline and some forms of cancer. However, he said, aspirin is also known to have side effects such as bleeding, that may offset its benefits, especially in people over 70.

“We want to look at the potential of aspirin to improve the health of older (people) something that is increasingly important as the population ages,” McNeil said. “This age group has not previously been studied in sufficient numbers to inform health guidelines.”

Other sponsors include the National Health and Medical Research Council in Australia and Bayer, which is supplying the aspirin for the trial. Enrollment in the United States still ongoing in clinics across 11 states including Minnesota, Texas, Florida and North Carolina. The U.S will enroll 6,500 participants over the next two years.

More information is available at www.ASPREE.org or at the Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation website.

8-Jul-10 12:00 PM

First Ever Generic Version of Effexor XR FDA-Approved

Kristina Michel — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:00:00 GMT

The FDA has approved the first ever generic version of Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) to treat major depressive disorder.

Teva Pharmaceuticals is expected to begin shipping the generic this week. It will be available as extended-release capsules in 37.5 mg, 75 mg and 150 mg strengths. Teva was also granted exclusive marketing rights for the generic for a period of 180 days.

“The approval of this widely used antidepressant is another example of the FDA’s efforts to increase access to safe and effective generic drugs,” said Keith Webber, Ph.D., deputy director of the FDA Office of Pharmaceutical Science in the FDA news release. “Access to treatments for depression is important because depression can interfere with a person’s daily life and routine, which can significantly affect relationships with family and friends.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depressive disorder is the most common form of depression in the United States, affecting about 14.8 American adults in 2005. It is the leading cause of disability for Americans ages 15 to 44. A 2004 CDC study found that antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S.

Effexor is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, which merged with Pfizer last year. According to a press release from Teva, Effexor generated about $2.75 billion in sales in the U.S. last year.

30-Jun-10 1:00 PM

P&G Recalls Nasal Spray

Kristina Michel — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Procter & Gamble is recalling its Vicks VapoSpray 4-Hour Nasal Spray after it found that some of the sprays may not meet the expiration dates listed on the packaging.

P&G said in a press release that the recall is voluntary, and it has not heard any consumer complaints about the nasal spray. It also advised consumers who have the recalled nasal spray with an expiration date prior to June 2013 to simply discard the product and talk to a health care professional if they feel they may have experienced any adverse reactions to the recalled product. Consumers can also report any adverse reactions they feel they may have experienced with the nasal spray through the FDA MedWatch Program.

More details about the recall for both consumers and health care professionals are available on the P&G website and an FDA news release. Consumers who have purchased the recalled nasal spray should contact P&G with any questions they have or to request a replacement coupon or refund.

VapoSpray was also sold under the names Sinex Nasal Spray and Sinex Ultra Fine Mist before June 2009.

30-Jun-10 10:00 AM

***Home Page - Current NEWS

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:25:43 GMT

more news...

Check Out the NPTA Blog HERE

RxPO 2010

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:44:54 GMT

Registration for RxPO 2010 is closed.

National Pharmacy Technician Day

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:03:12 GMT

National Pharmacy Technician Day
October 26, 2010

Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in providing pharmaceutical care.
National Pharmacy Technician Day has been designed to recognize their contributions.

Please stay tuned for an update on Pharmacy Technician Day from NPTA!

- Want Ideas on How to Celebrate? - click here

- Looking for a Gift? - click here

New Share Your Pharmacy Tech Day Photos - click here

Online CE

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:18:16 GMT

Note: If you are an NPTA Member - you already have a Username and Password established for the website. Your initial Username is your NPTA Member ID Number and your initial Password is your 5 digit postal code. After logging in, you may change either your Username and/or Password. How Does Online CE Work? - click here Course Title Hrs. ACPE # Price LAW The Matter of Ethics: A Pathway for Pharmacy Technicians 2 0384-0000-10-008-H04-T FREE -Mem $15.00 -Non The ABCs of Hepatitis: Epidemiology, Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis 1 0384-0000-10-009-H04-T FREE -Mem $15.00 -Non Understanding Anxiety, Mood Disorders and Their Medications 2 0384-0000-10-005-H04-T FREE -Mem $15.00 -Non ...

Chemo Certification

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:57:11 GMT

NPTA's Chemo Certification Course has been designed to train pharmacy professionals on the proper handling of hazardous drugs. Most health-system pharmacy settings require Chemo/Hazardous Drug Certification and/or prior experience for employment consideration. This course is designed to meet all applicable State Board of Pharmacy training requirements for Chemo Certification. Click Here to Request More Information Prerequisite Target Audience - Certified Pharmacy Technicians - Pharmacy Technician Students - Pharmacists Course Details The course requirements include: - 10 Home Study Modules - 1 Days Hands-On Training - 5 Process Technique Validations >>Complete Learning Objectives How the Course Works Participants must complete ten separate modules of home-based learning, comprised of a reading assignment and comprehensive exams. A score of 70% or higher is required for each...

Certificate Programs

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:28:28 GMT

NPTA offers the following ACPE-accredited programs,
each integrating home study learning with hands-on training,
to provide CPhT specialization.

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:21:45 GMT

Strengthen the Profession.
Enhance Your Colleague's Career.

Your personal endorsement of NPTA is by far our most effective recruitment tool. You know the value of NPTA membership and how it helps you remain on the cutting edge of our profession. Tell your colleagues about the benefits of membership in NPTA - you will strengthen the profession and help NPTA grow.

Enrich the pool of ideas and information available through the association by referring a colleague today.

Click here for a membership application [PDF] to share with your colleagues.

PTCB Certification Exam

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:26:58 GMT

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam About the PTCB Exam: The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam is a nationally accredited certification exam for pharmacy technicians offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Individuals who pass the exam are given the designation CPhT (certified pharmacy technician). A certificate and a wallet card are sent to newly certified pharmacy technicians approximately six to eight weeks after taking the exam. Once you are certified, your certification is valid for two years. In order to take the exam, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements specified by the PTCB. These requirements are: Candidates must have a high school diploma or its equivalent (e.g., a GED or foreign diploma). No felony conviction. No drug or pharmacy related convictions, including misdemeanors. These violations must be disclosed to PTCB. No denial, suspension, revocation, or...

2010 Schedule

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:34:48 GMT

Volume/Issue No. Est. Mail Date* CE Topic(s) Features Volume 11 Issue 1 2-26-2010 Pharmacy Law & Regulations 2.0 contact hours Health Care Reform Top Pharmacy News Stories of 2009 Infant Botulism High-Tech Techs Volume 11 Issue 2 4-26-2010 Psycological Disorders & Their Treatments 2.0 contact hours Pharmacy Technology & Automation Medication Therapy Management (MTM) NPTA Annual Report Volume 11 Issue 3 6-21-2010 The Matter of Ethics 2.0 Contact Hours The ABCs of Hepatitis (bonus CE) 1.0 Contact Hour Black Market Drugs & The Pharmacy Technician ...

About Today's Technician

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:31:14 GMT

Today's Technician Magazine:

is an award-winning publication (see below)
is published six times per year
includes a minimum of 2 hours of ACPE-accredited CE for CPhTs
is a full-color, glossy trade publication

Regular Editorial Departments include:

Publisher's Note
News Briefs
Now Available!
Behind the Counter
Within the System
At the Blackboard
In the Lead

Today's Technician Magazine has been recognized with an APEX 2006 Award for Publication Excellence in magazine and journal writing, judged amongst more than 1,540 other magazines, journals and newspapers across the United States.

RxPO 2007

noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Attendee feedback and comments only allows NPTA and RxPO to better serve your needs at future events.

Release Date: 16-Oct-07 1:00 PM
Expiration Date: 14-Jan-08 1:00 PM

Share your thoughts with us on RxPO 2007.

Peer Training/Education

noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Objectives: What is the one thing you feel your coworkers need training in to make the pharmacy service better?

Release Date: 5-Jul-07 9:00 PM
Expiration Date: 3-Oct-07 9:00 PM
Please complete the following survey by answering questions and then include your name, city and state. Select responses will be published in an upcoming issue of Today's Technician magazine.

Peer Training/Education

noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Release Date: 5-Jul-07 9:00 PM
Expiration Date: 3-Oct-07 9:00 PM
Please complete the following survey by answering questions and then include your name, city and state. Select responses will be published in an upcoming issue of Today's Technician magazine.

Law Interest

noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Objectives: Plese complete the following survey by answering the questions then include your name, city and state. Select responses will be published in an upcoming issue of Today's Technician magazine.

Release Date: 5-Jul-07 9:00 PM
Expiration Date: 3-Oct-07 9:00 PM

Topics Request

noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Release Date: 5-Jul-07 9:00 PM
Expiration Date: 3-Oct-07 9:00 PM
Please complete the following survey by answering the questions and then include your name, city and state. Select responses will be published in an upcoming issue of Today's Technician magazine.

Consumer Survey

noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Sun, 06 May 2007 15:00:00 GMT

Objectives: The goal of this survey is to obtain feedback from consumers on NPTA's recommendations for improving patient safety through standardized regulations for pharmacy technicians.

Release Date: 6-May-07 10:00 AM
Expiration Date: 31-Dec-07 10:00 AM
Please complete the entire survey.

Pharmacy Professional Survey

noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Wed, 02 May 2007 16:00:00 GMT

Objectives: The goal of this survey is to obtain feedback from pharmacy professionals on NPTA's recommendations for improving patient safety through standardized regulations for pharmacy technicians.

Release Date: 2-May-07 11:00 AM
Expiration Date: 31-Dec-07 11:00 AM
Please complete the entire survey.

CPhT to CPhT 8.1/8.2

noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 19:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Select responses of this survey will be published in CPhT to CPhT - Practical Advice for Pharmacy Technicians in Volume 8 Issues 1 and 2 of Today's Technician Magazine.

Release Date: 3-Apr-07 2:00 PM
Expiration Date: 2-Jul-07 2:00 PM

1. Number and answer each question in the space provided.

2. Please include your name, city and state to be considered for publication.

CPhT to CPhT Vol 8 Issue 1

noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 18:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Release Date: 23-Mar-07 1:00 PM
Expiration Date: 21-Jun-07 1:00 PM
Please complete the following survey by answering all four questions and then include your name, city and state. Select responses will be published in an upcoming issue of Today's Technician magazine.

CPhT 2 CPhT V7.4

An Overview of Swine Influenza A (H1N1)

2009-04-28T13:00:00Z

Instructor: Wendy Meigs RPh/ Mike Johnston CPhT

Important Note: The development of this continuing pharmacy education program was expedited with approval of the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education (ACPE) in response to a nationally declared public health emergency by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This program was developed with the latest information available as of April 26, 2009, but since this topic is undergoing constant updates and revisions by the CDC and HHS, some information provided could possibly be outdated or revised. We strongly recommend that you obtain the latest information available directly from the CDC or HHS in addition to, and as a verification of, the information presented. The majority of this program utilizes content developed and originally published by the CDC, with permission. INTRODUCTION Swine Influenza A (H1NI), known as swine flu, is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. Over the years, different strains of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses. U.S. cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas, in late March 2009. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that swine influenza A (H1N1) is contagious, but is unsure how easily the virus spreads between people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. According to the CDC, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring between 2005 and January 2009. Swine flu infection, however, can be serious and even fatal. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death. Certain groups might be more likely to develop a severe illness from swine flu infection, such as persons with chronic medical conditions. Additionally, bacterial infections may occur at the same time as or after infection with influenza viruses and lead to pneumonias, ear infections, or sinus infections. SWINE INFLUENZA A (H1N1) Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in several states, as well as in other countries. This is a novel influenza A virus that has not been previously identified in humans, and human-to-human transmission of the virus appears to be ongoing. Unlike the experience in Mexico, the United States is currently observing a less severe clinical spectrum of disease with infection by the identical virus strain. As of April 26, 2009, of the confirmed cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, only two confirmed case-patients were hospitalized and there had been no reported fatalities in the United States. Mexican health officials have reported several hundred suspect cases, including several deaths associated with confirmed swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. In Mexico, many patients have experienced rapidly progressive pneumonia, respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Therefore, the impact of this virus on the two countries has been strikingly different to date. Novel influenza A virus infections in humans, including swine influenza A (H1N1) virus, represent a pandemic threat. Recognizing the historical precedent for the emergence of a pandemic influenza virus, which could have waves of disease with different morbidity and mortality and epidemiologic profiles, public health departments in the United States must remain vigilant. Swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to spread in the same way as seasonal influenza. The virus is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of infected individuals, however some people may become infected by touching a contaminated object and then touching their mouth or nose. Infected individuals may be able to infect others as early as 24 hours prior to the onset of symptoms and up to 7 or more days after becoming infected. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human influenza and include: · Fever Cough · sore throat · body aches · headache · chills · fatigue · diarrhea · vomiting DIAGNOSIS Official diagnosis of swine influenza A infection requires a respiratory specimen, collected while the infected person is still shedding virus, typically within the first 4 to 5 days of illness. Some individuals, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing. The infectious period for a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as 1 day prior to the case's illness onset to 7 days after onset. SWINE INFLUENZA A (H1N1) VIRUS DEFINITIONS A confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as an individual with an acute febrile respiratory illness with laboratory confirmed swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection at CDC by one or more of the following tests: · real-time RT-PCR · viral culture A probable case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a person with an acute febrile respiratory illness who is: · positive for influenza A, but negative for H1 and H3 by influenza RT-PCR, or · positive for influenza A by an influenza rapid test or an influenza immunofluorescence assay (IFA) plus meets criteria for a suspected case A suspected case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as an individual with acute febrile respiratory illness with onset: · within 7 days of close contact with a person who is a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, or · within 7 days of travel to community either within the United States or internationally where there are one or more confirmed swine influenza A(H1N1) cases, or · resides in a community where there are one or more confirmed swine influenza cases. Close contact is defined as within about 6 feet of an ill person who is a confirmed or suspected case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection during the case's infectious period. VACCINATIONS There is no vaccine currently indicated for swine influenza in humans. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.The H1N1 swine flu viruses are antigenically different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses. PHARMACEUTICAL TREATMENT There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine (Symmetrel), rimantadine (Flumadine), oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. Suspected Cases Empiric antiviral treatment is recommended for any ill person suspected to have swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. Antiviral treatment with either zanamivir alone or with a combination of oseltamivir and eitheramantadine or rimantadine should be initiated as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Recommended duration of treatment is five days. Recommendations for use of antivirals may change as data on antiviral susceptibilities become available. Antiviral doses and schedules recommended for treatment of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection are the same as those recommended for seasonal influenza. (Table 1) http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/dosagetable.htm#table Confirmed Cases For antiviral treatment of a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, either oseltamivir or zanamivir may be administered. Recommended duration of treatment is five days. These same antivirals should be considered for treatment of cases that test positive for influenza A but test negative for seasonal influenza viruses H3 and H1 by PCR. Special Considerations for Pregnant Women Oseltamivir, zanamivir, amantadine, and rimantadine are all Pregnancy Category C medications, indicating that no clinical studies have been conducted to assess the safety of these medications for pregnant women. Only two cases of amantadine use for severe influenza illness during the third trimester have been reported. However, both amantadine and rimantadine have been demonstrated in animal studies to be teratogenic and embryotoxic when administered at substantially high doses. Because of the unknown effects of influenza antiviral drugs on pregnant women and their fetuses, these four drugs should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the embryo or fetus; the manufacturers'' package inserts should be consulted. However, no adverse effects have been reported among women who received oseltamivir or zanamivir during pregnancy or among infants born to such women. Special Considerations for Children Aspirin or aspirin-containing products (e.g. bismuth subsalicylate Pepto Bismol) should not be administered to any confirmed or suspected ill case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection aged 18 years old and younger due to the risk of Reye syndrome. For relief of fever, other anti-pyretic medications such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be recommended. ANTIVIRA CHEMOPROPHYLAXIS For antiviral chemoprophylaxis (pre-exposure or post-exposure) of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, either oseltamivir or zanamivir are recommended. Duration of antiviral chemoprophylaxis is 7 days after the last known exposure to an ill confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. PATIENT CONSULTATIONS Pharmacy technicians should refer any patient considered a suspected case or describing any of the previously mentioned signs and symptoms to the pharmacist for consultation.According to CDC recommendations, pharmacists should consult confirmed cases to stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. Suspect cases should be advised to contact their physician to report illness, by telephone or other remote means, before seeking care at a clinic, physician's office, or hospital, with the following exceptions for when immediate medical attention required. Immediate Medical Attention Required Persons who have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or are believed to be severely ill should seek immediate medical attention Individuals who become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: · Fast breathing or trouble breathing · Bluish skin color · Not drinking enough fluids · Not waking up or not interacting · Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held · Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough · Fever with a rash In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: · Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath · Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen · Sudden dizziness · Confusion · Severe or persistent vomiting For More Information Pharmacy professionals or patients needing additional information should contact The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline (1-800-CDC-INFO), which is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. References & Resources http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ http://www.hhs.gov/ http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/ http://www.ashp.org/Import/PRACTICEANDPOLICY/PublicHealthResourceCenters/Influenza/SwineFlu.aspx