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New DSM-5 Released with Mixed Reviews

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Over the weekend the DSM-5 published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) was released at the American Psychiatric Association’s annual meeting. The new edition was to be released May 2012, but the issue date was halted due to delays with the first draft. The latest edition comes with many changes and the edits are not welcomed by some healthcare providers, counselors, and psychiatrists.

One of the critics of the new edition is Dr. Allen Frances, an individual who headed up the team of people responsible for the 1994 DSM-IV which was used for years up until the new edition became available. Dr. Frances, now a professor at Duke University, recently commented on the DSM-5 and his concerns about the new book. Dr. Frances discussed the following in an article published online on May 17th in the Annals of Internal Medicine. His concern is that patients that are seemingly normal will be diagnosed with a mental disorder where there is no need for a psychiatric diagnosis. In addition, his other concern stems from a possible push from pharmaceutical companies giving patients the assumption that their problems can be solved with a pill. Dr. Frances urged physicians to do the following when it comes to using the DSM-5. “Use the DSM-5 cautiously, if at all,” said Frances.

Do you think the DSM-5 will help or hurt the pharmaceutical industry? Will it really benefit patients?

Sources:

1. Frances, Allen. “The New Crisis in Confidence in Psychiatric Diagnosis.”
Annals of Internal Medicine. Web. 17 May 2013.

2. Gever, John. “DSM-IV Boss Presses Attack on New Revision.”
MedPage Today. Web. 17 May 2013.

3. Jaslow, Ryan. “Controversial Update to Psychiatry Manual, DSM-5 Arrives.”
CBS News. Web. 18 May 2013.

4. Grohol, John, Psy. D. “DSM-5 Released: The Big Changes.”
PsychCentral.com. Web. Date of Access: 19 May 2013.

5. Grohol, John, Psy. D. “DSM-5 Published, Critical Guide for Clinicians.”
PsychCentral.com. Web. 19 May 2013.

22-May-13 1:00 PM

Pharmacy Security: NJ Implements Recent Voluntary Best Practices

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Drug theft and diversion continue to be a problem in the pharmacy business despite continued efforts to deter drug loss. In an attempt to reduce drug theft and diversion in New Jersey pharmacies the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa, and New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy recently published a set of “Best Practices for Pharmacy Security.” The new best practices are designed to assist pharmacists in the prevention and deterrence of the loss of dangerous controlled substances and other drugs sold by retail pharmacies. In addition, the suggestions will hopefully help reduce pharmacy robbery, employee theft, and patient doctor shopping. Pharmacies will hopefully see a reduction in stolen, altered, and forged prescriptions due to the new set of best practices. The NJ “Best Practices for Pharmacy Security,” are currently voluntary, but officials hope more and more pharmacies will adopt the new suggestions for increased security.

Eric T. Kanefsky, Acting Director of the New Jersey Diversion of Consumer Affairs recently commented on the state’s best practices in a press release issued by the NJ Office of the Attorney General. “While every pharmacy may not be able to adopt all of these security recommendations, we are encouraging them to move toward implementation of these best practices. Incidents of theft at New Jersey pharmacies are not common, but when they do occur they often involve significant diversion of Controlled Dangerous Substances which pose a grave risk of addiction, overdose, and death,” said Kanefsky.

To view the full list of the published “Best Practices for Pharmacy Security” pharmacy technicians may go to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and Board of Pharmacy web site or click the link below to read the list of suggested practices http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/press/05012013.pdf.

Sources:

1. New Jersey Office of the Attorney General/Division of Consumer Affairs. “Pharmacy Security Best Practices.” Web. 1 May 2013.

2. Lamm, Jeff. “New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, State Board of Pharmacy, Announce Best Practice Recommendations for Pharmacy Security.” NJ State BOP. Web. Date of Access: 19 May 2013.

20-May-13 10:00 AM

FDA Issues Drug Safety Communication Concerning Pregnant Women Using Certain Migraine Prevention Medications

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Migraine headaches cause misery for approximately 29.5 million Americans according to the National Headache Foundation. Migraines can be brought on for many reasons, but there are a variety of treatment options depending on a patients health needs and status. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a drug safety release concerning the use of Valproate anti-seizure products for pregnant women in the treatment of migraines. The FDA is warning patients and healthcare providers of the dangers in using these drugs during pregnancy and the possibility of decreased IQ scores in children that were exposed to the drugs during their mother’s pregnancy. Pharmacy technicians should note the following information released by the FDA:

Valproate drug labels and related products will carry a stronger warning reflecting the new FDA findings. Valproate products include the following: valproate sodium (Depacon), divalproex sodium, (Depakote, Depakote CP, and Depakote ER), valproic acid (Depakene and Stavzor), and their generic counterparts.

Valproate is also used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and seizures, but the drug should only be used if other alternatives are exhausted first.

Women who are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant should speak with their doctors about the risks and benefits of taking Valproate and Valproate related medications.

The FDA is teaming up with drug manufactures to change the pregnancy category for the prevention of migraine headaches from category X to D, however, Valproate medications will stay in the D category to treat epilepsy and for manic episodes present in bipolar disorder.

Pharmacy Technicians can benefit from making themselves aware of the information concerning Valproate drugs and also pass on the new findings to other fellow pharmacy technicians.

Sources:

1. Walsh, Sandy. “FDA Warns Pregnant Women to Not Use Certain Migraine
     Prevention Medicines.” FDA News Release. Web.
     Date of Access: 15 May 2013.

2. Neale, Todd. “FDA: Migraine Drugs Dangerous in Pregnancy.” MedPage Today.
Web. Date of Access: 15 May 2013.

3. National Headache Foundation. “Press Kits – AMPPS Fact Sheet.”
Web. Date of Access: 15 May 2013.

17-May-13 10:00 AM

Potential Medication Errors May Result from Breast Cancer Drug Names

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Pharmacy technicians know the importance of avoiding medication errors. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a drug safety communication release concerning potential medication errors resulting from name confusion with the generic name of the newly approved breast cancer drug Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) and Herceptin (trastuzumab). Possible medication errors could be a possibility if the two medications were confused in automated drug systems, order-entry computer programs, or in manual counts by pharmacists. The FDA is advising that the FDA-approved nonproprietary name for Kadcyla, ado-trastuzumab emtansine be used correctly and any omission of the “ado” prefix may cause drug errors. Drug errors are often the cause of patient harm or death and should be avoided at all times.

Concern over the prefix omission “ado” was first discovered due to third-party publications, compendia references, electronic health record systems, and pharmacy prescription processing systems using the drug name incorrectly. However, no drug errors have resulted since the approval of Kadcyla in February. Medication errors were discovered, however, during clinical trials of the drug.

Drug errors can be avoided if pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are careful in their use of drug names. Mistakes can result from improper order entry, not paying attention, similarities in drug names, name omissions, and improper pharmacy staff training. Pharmacy technicians may wish to share this crucial and valuable information with their fellow technicians. Taking preventative steps to avoid medication errors is imperative in patient care.

Sources:

1. FDA release. “Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine): Drug Safety Communication –
     Potential Medication Errors Resulting from Name Confusion.” FDA. Web.

    Date of Access: 13 May 2013.

2. National Alert Network (NAN) Altert. “Confusion Regarding the Generic Name of the HER2-targeted drug Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine).” ISMP. Web.

Date of Access: 13 May 2013.

15-May-13 10:00 AM

Celebrate National Women's Health Week!

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

The month of May is full of many health month observances and one of the many special observances is National Women’s Health Week celebrated from May 12th to 18th, 2013. The 14th annual National Women’s Health Week is celebrated nationwide and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Office on Women’s Health. The office reminds women during this week and throughout the year to partake in living a healthy lifestyle and staying well for optimum health. There are five ways in which women can become proactive in helping secure a healthy lifestyle:

See a healthcare professional for routine checkups and preventative screenings.

Get regular exercise and stay active.

Eat a healthy and balanced diet.

Learn to avoid unhealthy behaviors.

Pay close attention to mental health, obtain adequate rest, and try to manage stress.

Pharmacies and pharmacy technicians can help celebrate National Women’s Health Week by reminding patients and customers in the pharmacy to follow these vital tips in becoming a happy and healthy woman. To find out more about National Women’s Health Week go to www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw.

Sources:

1. “About National Women’s Health Week.” U.S. Department of Health and Human
Service’s Office on Women’s Health. Web. Date of Access: 12 May 2013.

2. “National Women’s Health Week Fact Sheet.” U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services Office on Women’s Health. Web. Date of Access: 12 May 2013.

13-May-13 10:00 AM

Utilizing Social Media to Find a Pharmacy Technician Job

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Social Media is a tool many present and future pharmacy technicians are using to find employment in their field. There are a few tips in which a technician can utilize to find their job of choice. Here is a look at the top social media sites in which you may want to take a look at when seeking employment as a pharmacy technician:

• Facebook. Using Facebook to find a job is probably not the first place you may have thought of when looking for employment, but if you visit and like the pages of reputable pharmacy technician organizations like NPTA, you can then connect with other professionals in the field of pharmacy who may know of pharmacy technician job openings. If you have a Facebook profile please clean it up to look neat and professional.

• Twitter. Twitter can serve as a quick way to search for current job listings. The links posted as part of the tweets can lead you to employment search web sites where you can browse various technician jobs. Virtually everyone has a Twitter account and you can connect and follow other pharmacy technicians or large organizations such as the FDA or CDC for top medical news.

• LinkedIn. LinkedIn is one of the most respected sites used for networking in work and professional settings. If you do not have a LinkedIn account consider opening one as building your profile can assist you in finding connections and also enable you to build a rapport with other individuals in the pharmacy world. Recruiters and hiring managers can search your profile and you may make contact with someone that may lead you to your dream job in pharmacy.

Using social media responsibly to find a job can be a new learning experience and also rewarding for technicians. Looking beyond the daily newspaper and online classified sections will help broaden your employment search in ways you may have not thought of originally.

Sources:

1. Foss, Jenny. “What Recruiters Want to See on Your LinkedIn Profile.” The Daily Muse. Web. Date of Access: 6 May 2013.

2. “Getting a Pharmacy Assistant Job Using Social Media.” http://www.pharmacyassistanthq.com. Web. Date of Access: 6 May 2013.

8-May-13 8:00 AM

New Study Reminds Us That Errors Can Happen at Home

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Pharmacy technicians know the importance of reducing and eliminating medication errors, but technicians cannot monitor drug errors in the home. A new study observed 72 medication mistakes in homes where 92 children who have cancer were cared for from November 2007 and April 2011. The study concluded that many children taking cancer medications were venerable to medication errors and found that between 10% and 40% of oral chemotherapy treatments were missed according to Dr. Kathleen Walsh, lead author of the study from the University Of Massachusetts School Of Medicine in Worcester.

In one of the study’s cases, parents were sprinkling chemo medication on their ill child’s food in lieu of giving their child the chemotherapy medication as directed. In addition, 72 medication errors were recorded along with four incidents that injured the sick children. Forty of the mistakes were harmful and could cause injury to the patient.

Dr. Walsh recently commented on the study in an article for Reuters. “There are a number of medications we use everyday that can be dangerous if we don’t use them properly,” said Walsh. Doctors who observed the medication errors made by parents concluded that improved communication between families and physicians could have aided in over a third in the mistakes made by the cancer patient’s parents.

Pharmacy technicians can encourage parents to follow the advice of their children’s doctor and also stress the importance of giving medication only as directed by the prescribing doctor and pharmacist.

Sources:

1. Walsh, Kathleen, Dr. “Medication Errors in the Home: A Multisite Study of Children With Cancer.” Pediatrics. Web. 29 Apr 2013.

2. Seaman, Andrew. “Medication Errors Also Happen at Home.” Reuters. Web. 3 May 2013.

7-May-13 8:00 AM

May is Mental Health Month

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

A patient’s mental health is just as important as their physical health and this month Mental Health America and its affiliates are celebrating ‘May is Mental Health Month.’ The theme this year for Mental Health Month is ‘Pathways to Wellness,’ focusing on ways to identify avenues for Americans to obtain better physical and mental health overall. Mental Health America suggests these four steps in helping Americans live better and healthier lives:

1. A healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet, reducing caffeine, and limiting alcohol intake are all positive ways in which patients can improve their physical health. They may sound simple, but are key to living a better life.

2. Regular exercise. Getting routine exercise helps elevate mood, increases energy levels, reduces stress, and helps release the body’s levels of endorphins and serotonin levels that can help patients feel better both mentally and physically.

3. Relaxation. Leaning to take a step back and decompress is necessary in every profession. Taking time out of your busy schedule to just relax will help you get up and give your job all you have to give. Remember also to take time out to laugh and enjoy life.

4. Sleep. Obtaining at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night is a necessary part of keeping mental and physical health in check. Resting the mind and body allows the system to recharge after a hard days work.

Pharmacy technicians can remind themselves and patients of these very simple steps to take in their everyday life to increase happiness, productivity, well-being, and good physical and mental health. To learn more about Mental Health America and Mental Health Month go to http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/.

Sources:

1. Ahmed, Erica. “May is Mental Health Month Press Materials.” Mental Health America. Web. May 2013.

6-May-13 8:00 AM

FDA Creates New Invention to Fight Counterfeit Malaria Drugs

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

The FDA has created a new invention in the fight against sub-standard and counterfeit Malaria drugs called the Counterfeit Detector Device, version 3, or CD-3. The battery operated handheld device will be deployed and tested in Ghana this year and a second testing program will be in an undetermined location according to the FDA. The innovative new tool will help scientists identify fake Malaria drugs, which are often not identifiable to most people. The CD-3 offers a quick, easy, and inexpensive manner in which to identify counterfeit meds.

According to the FDA, Malaria is a disease which kills more than 660,000 individuals each year. In those numbers, the most stricken with Malaria are children.

Melinda K. Plaisier, the FDA’s acting Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs recently commented on the new CD-3 invention. “CD-3 illustrates the spirit of innovation and the commitment to public health that our scientists have. They saw a need and invented a technology to address it. It started off solving an immediate problem in FDA labs, and now is being leveraged to impact global health,” said Plaisier.

The FDA will be providing the tools and training for the new gadget and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) will provide technical help for users of the CD-3.

Do you think devices like the CD-3 will ever be used in pharmacies to identify fake medications? Do you think the CD-3 is a good idea?

Sources:

1. FDA Consumer Health Information Reports. “FDA Invention Fights Counterfeit Malaria Drugs.” FDA. Web. 2013 Apr.

3-May-13 7:00 AM

Social Networks Affect Parents Vaccination Decisions for Kids

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Social networks and the Internet are sometimes the deciding factor in whether patients seek treatment or not for an illness or condition for their kids. This is also true in the decisions made by parents to vaccinate their children. A recent study conducted by the National Science Foundation and published online in Pediatrics, the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics found that parents that did not seek full vaccination for their children and this depended strongly on the advice of their close social networks of friends.

Dr. Emily Brunson, PhD, of Texas State University concluded that odds for no vaccination were 36 (95% CI 6 to 162) for parents that relied on the actions of ¼ to ½ of their fellow friends on social networks who recommended no vaccination for their children. Other statistics showed higher rates of no vaccination from 273 (95% Cl to 2,028) when ½ to ¾ of their social network friends suggested against vaccination. When 75% to 100% of social network members suggested no vaccination noncompliance rates when up even more.

Dr. Brunson wrote in her study that “the importance of social networks strongly implies that for interventions aimed at promoting vaccine acceptance to be successful, they must take a broad approach, one that is capable of influencing not only parents, but the people parents might discuss their vaccination decisions with” said Brunson.

As a pharmacy professional do you think parents rely too heavily on social media to make decisions concerning their children’s health and well-being?

Sources:

1. Walsh, Nancy. “Social Network Sways Vaccine Compliance.” MedPage Today. Web. 15 Apr 2013.

2. Brunson, Emily, MPH, PhD. “The Impact of Social Networks on Parents’ Vaccination Decisions.” Abstract from Pediatrics. Web. 15 Apr 2013.

2-May-13 8:00 AM

FDA Approves Plan B One-Step Emergency Contraceptive Pill

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced yesterday that it has approved an amended application for Teva’s Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) emergency contraceptive pill for women 15 years of age or older.

Pharmacy technicians should note the following concerning the stock and sale of the new approved drug:

The Plan B One-Step emergency contraceptive pill will be labeled not for sale to those under 15 years of age and also marked ‘proof of age required,’ not for sale where age cannot be verified.

The emergency contraceptive pill will be packaged with a product code. This product code will prompt a cashier to verify a customer’s age and also request their age at the time of purchase. A security tag will also be placed on the drugs product carton as well.

Plan B is a single dose drug that will come in a 1.5 mg tablet.

Pharmacy technicians should also note that Plan B One-Step will be sold in the family planning aisle or where female health products are sold. The emergency contraceptive pill will be sold at stores that have an onsite pharmacy. Plan B One-Step will be available during a stores normal operating hours and also available even if the pharmacy is not open.

FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., recently commented on Plan B One-Step. “Research has shown that access to emergency contraceptive products has the potential to further decrease the rate of unintended pregnancies in the United States.” The data reviewed by the agency demonstrated that women 15 years of age and older were able to understand how Plan B works, how to use it properly, and that it does not prevent the transmission of a sexually transmitted disease,” said Hamburg.

Pharmacy technicians will be ‘in the know’ with this latest news from NPTA.

Sources:

Jefferson, Erica. “FDA Approves Plan B One-Step Emergency Contraceptive Without a Prescription for women 15 Years of Age or Older.” FDA. Web. 30 Apr 2013.

1-May-13 12:00 PM

Reports Show U.S. Consumers Pay More for Drugs

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

It is not a surprise that consumers pay more for name brand prescription drugs than in any other country. They pay more and a lot more than individuals which live in other developed nations according to a recent report published this month in the journal Health Affairs.

The new study also noted that patients had trouble with understanding pricing systems used to figure out how much their medications cost. Some of the misunderstanding comes from pharmacies not clearly explaining the reasons why one name brand drug costs more than the other. United States average pricing covers selling issues such as average wholesale prices, average sale prices, federal supply schedule prices, Medicare Part D sales prices, consumer rebates, and discounts.

University of Michigan business professor Erik Gordon recently commented on the U.S. pharmaceutical pricing systems in a recent article published on Pharmalive.com. “Prices are consuming and camouflaged. True prices are nearly impossible to ascertain. Average wholesale prices are neither wholesale nor average. Rebates and discounts are based on sales of single drugs and on sales of baskets of unrelated drugs make it impossible to calculate the actual price paid for a particular drug,” said Gordon.

As a pharmacy technician, do you think it is fair that U.S. consumers pay more for their name brand drugs than other developed countries?

Sources:

1. Kanavos, Panos. “Higher US Branded Drug Prices and Spending Compared to Other Countries May Stem Partly from Quick Uptake of New Drugs.” Health Affairs Journal. Web. Apr 2013.

2. Sell, David. “Report: U,S. Consumers Pay More for Drugs.” PharmaLive. Web. 9 Apr 2013.

29-Apr-13 8:00 AM

FDA Approves Abuse-deterrent Labeling for New Formula of OxyContin

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light approval and updated labeling for Purdue Pharma L.P.’s new formulation of OxyContin (oxycodone hydrochloride controlled-release) pills. The drug’s brand new labeling will reflect physical and chemical drug properties that will hopefully make drug abuse with this medication harder for individuals who wrongfully use prescription medications through injection and/or snorting.

Pharmacy technicians may remember the FDA approved the original formation of OxyContin in December 1995 and in April 2010 the FDA approved a reformulated version of the drug. The reformulated version of the drug was reformed to help ensure less abuse of OxyContin. Technicians in the pharmacy will be interested to know other facts about the reformulated version. Some of the features are:

• Tablets are harder to crush, break, and dissolve for misuse.

• The newest pills form a viscous hydrogel which makes preparing the drug for injection more of a deterrent to those addicted to drugs.

•Reformulated and relabeled OxyContin can still be abused orally.

According to the FDA, they will not accept or approve any abbreviated new drug applications which are generics that depend on the approval of the original version of OxyContin. Douglas Throckmorton, M.D., and deputy director for regulatory programs in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research recently commented on the reformulated OxyContin. “The development of abuse-deterrent opioid analgesics is a public health priority for the FDA. While both original and reformulated OxyContin are subject to abuse and misuse, the FDA has determined that reformulated OxyContin can be expected to make abuse by injection difficult and expected to reduce abuse by snorting compared to original OxyContin,” said Throckmorton.

Pharmacy technicians can share this informative, valuable, and news-breaking information with their pharmacist and fellow technicians as it enables them to learn more about their chosen profession.

Sources:

1. Liscinsky, Morgan. “FDA Approves Abuse-deterrent Labeling for Reformulated OxyContin.” FDA. Web. 16 Apr 2013.

2. Fiore, Kristina. “FDA Updates OxyContin Label, Blocks Generics.” MedPage Today. Web. 18 Apr 2013.

26-Apr-13 9:00 AM

Sixth National DEA Drug Take-Back Day

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:00:00 GMT

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced and scheduled the Sixth National Drug Take-Back Initiative on April 27th, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The National Drug Take Back days are a way for individuals to safely and responsibly dispose of their expired or unwanted prescription drugs and also learn about potential drug abuse to medications.

The collaboration of the DEA, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers collected 2 million pounds of drugs from those wishing to get rid of their unneeded medications at previous take-back days. Just a few of the types of drugs that were disposed of were controlled substances, ADHD medication, and cough syrups. Many other types of medications can be disposed of at these days as well.

Pharmacy technicians can promote and inform patients and customers of the upcoming drug take-back day and remind the public about safe disposal of their expired and unwanted drugs. To find the nearest drug collection site, individuals may go to the Office of Diversion Control web site at: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html.

Sources:

1. Aware Consumer Protection Program/NABP Newsletter. “Reminder: Next DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 27th.” NABP.org. Web. 18 Apr 2013.

2. DEA Office of Diversion Control Web Site. http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/.

24-Apr-13 10:00 AM

Pharmaceutical Sales Tactics and Information Quality

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Pharmaceutical sales representatives are an important part of the pharmacy field and are often the gatekeepers of new drug information. They also often have first hand knowledge of new drug approvals and recalls. However, according to a new survey, some rarely mention serious adverse drug events and other common side effects concerning medication they are promoting when seeing primary care physicians. The study’s findings were published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

The new study asked a sample of random primary care physicians in Montreal, Vancouver, Sacramento, California, and Toulouse, France, to participate in the survey and results concluded that very few pharmaceutical sales representatives gave minimal information when it comes to providing critical and complete medication information. In considering the survey results, doctors felt ‘new innovative strategies for sharing information about new drugs are needed.’

One of the study’s co-authors and UC Davis professor of medicine Michael Wilkes commented on the study. “We found that interactions between doctors and drug sales reps failed to meet even a minimum standard for the information needed for safe prescribing. Since physicians are heavily influenced by promotional sales visits from drug company representatives, patient safety is being compromised by what we found to be a real lack of adequate information about drug risks and dangers,” said Wilkes.

The study was funded by the Institute of Health Services and Policy Research, Canadian Institutes of Health Research and by the Michael Smith Health Research Foundation.

As a pharmacy technician do you and your pharmacist come in contact with pharmaceutical sales representatives? Do you agree with the results of the study? Should drug representatives do a better job explaining drug benefits, risks, side effects, and contradictions?

Sources:

1. Casey, Charles. “Study Finds Physicians Often Receive No Information about Harmful Effects of Medicines: Pharmaceutical sales visits found lacking.” UC Davis Health System Press Release. Web. 10 Apr 2013.

2. Laino, Charlene. “Hard Sell: Questions Raised About Pharma Sales Tactics.” MedPage Today. Web. 12 Apr 2013.

22-Apr-13 8:00 AM

Poor Sleep Quality Could Mean Potential for Alzheimer’s Disease

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:00:00 GMT

According to a recent study published online in JAMA Neurology poor sleep patterns and quality could potentially signal Alzheimer’s disease. The study was conducted by researchers at Washington University in St. Lewis Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.

Research has been previously conducted on poor sleep habits and Alzheimer’s disease in the past, but the new study is one of a kind and the first to make connections between disturbed sleep patterns and beginning Alzheimer’s disease concerning human beings.

Here are some specifics about the study: The researchers studied individuals from the ages of 45 to 75. Study volunteers showed no signs of Alzheimer’s at the beginning of the study. Of these individuals 22.5% of people were considered to have preclinical Alzheimer’s which means that they show no signs of diminished mental impairment. However, they did have beta-amyloid plaques shown through cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-beta 42 levels containing 500 pg/mL or reduced levels. The results of the study showed that study participants with preclinical Alzheimer’s had diminished and poor quality of sleep. They also napped more than other people in the study.

David M. Holtzman, MD, senior study author and head of the department of neurology at Washington University recently commented on the study’s findings in an article published this month on the Pharmacy Times.com web site. “This link may provide us with an easily detectable sign of Alzheimer’s pathology as we start to treat people who have markers of early Alzheimer’s, changes in sleep in response to treatments may serve as an indication of whether the new treatments are succeeding,” said Holtzman.

Further studies by the researchers will be conducted on younger people who will hopefully give scientists a better idea of the correlation of sleep problems and Alzheimer’s and also potentially change the course of the disease with other treatments or pharmaceuticals.

Sources:

1. Wick, Jeanette, W. “Poor Sleep Patterns May Signal Alzheimer’s.” Pharmacy Times.com. Web. 4 Apr 2013.

2. JAMA Press Release. “Study Suggests Possible Marker of Alzheimer’s Disease Associated with Worse Sleep Quality.” JAMA Network Media Relations. Web. 11 Mar 2013.

17-Apr-13 9:00 AM

FDA Approves Diclegis for Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Morning Sickness

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Recently the FDA approved Diclegis (doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride), a drug used to treat the symptoms of nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. Diclegis is marketed by Duchesnay, Inc, and is currently the only drug approved by the FDA for this condition. The drug was taken off of the market 30 years ago due to lawsuits filed by women that said the medication caused birth defects, however, the claims were untrue and the drug become one of the most often tested pregnancy drugs in the FDA’s Category A status. Pharmacy technicians will recall that a Category A status for a drug is for medications that do not show any risks to a fetus when clinical trails were performed.

The most common side effects associated with Diclegis is drowsiness or sleepiness that may be quite severe in some patients. Hylton V. Joffe, M.D.,M.M.Sc, director of the division of Reproductive and Urologic Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research recently commented on the approval of Diclegis. “Many women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, and sometimes these symptoms are not adequately managed through recommended changes in diet and lifestyle. Diclegis is now the only FDA-approved treatment for nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy, providing a therapeutic option for pregnant women seeking relief from these symptoms,” said Joffe.

Pharmacy technicians should note that the recommended dose of Diclegis is two tablets at bedtime daily on an empty stomach. If patients find that the recommended dose is not working for them then the dose can be increased to four tablets daily maximum. The dose would be given once in the morning, one mid-afternoon, and two tablets should be taken at bedtime. Interested pharmacy technicians can learn more about the new drug approval by going to www.diclegis.com.

Sources:

1. Fischer, Andrea. “FDA Approves Diclegis for Pregnant Women Experiencing Nausea and Vomiting.” FDA Press Release. Web. 8 Apr 2013.

2. Neporent, Liz. “FDA Approves Morning Sickness Drug Once Feared Unsafe.” ABC News. Web. 9 Apr 2013.

3. Duchesnay Press Release. “FDA Approves Duchesnay USA’s Diclegis for Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP).” Duchesnay. Web. 8 Apr 2013.

15-Apr-13 7:00 AM

ADHD Diagnosis and Meds on the Rise In Kids

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) almost one in five high school aged boys and 11 percent of children that are school-age have been given a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and prescribed medication to treat the condition. The main concern here is that doctors are too quick to diagnose ADHD and prescribe ADHD medications even when kids have very mild symptoms and are for the most part in good health.

In addition to these findings, the American Psychiatric Association has changed the definition of ADHD to reflect the new edition of the DSM-5 of which has not been updated in 14 years. Diagnosing individuals properly is key to the success of treating the condition as many of the drugs used to treat ADHD have heath risks and side-effects. Some of the most common drugs used to treat ADHD are Adderall, Ritalin, Concetra, and Vyvanse. ADHD drugs can help patients live more normal lives and also become more productive. Of course, a qualified physician should carefully evaluate the benefits and risks of prescribing these drugs.

Do you think ADHD is too quickly diagnosed by some doctors and ADHD medications prescribed too easily?

Sources:

1. Schwartz, Alan. “ADHD Seen in 11 percent of Kids as Diagnosis Rise.” NY Times. Web. 1 Apr 2013.

2. “Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.” American Psychiatric Association. Web. 2013.

12-Apr-13 7:00 AM

The Importance of Active Ingredients in Children’s Medications

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Pharmacy technicians know the importance of being aware of the active ingredients in children’s medications, but some parents may be none the wiser. Medications are made out of active and inactive ingredients. Inactive ingredients are components of a drug which act only to help medication taste better or dissolve quicker so the experience of taking the drug is not so unpleasant. Active ingredients are those which make a drug pharmaceutically active or effective against the illness or condition being treated.

Parents may not realize giving a child too many medications with the same active ingredients is overdosing and can lead to serous harm or death. To help with this matter, technicians can point out that active ingredients are listed first on over the counter (OTC) products and prescription medication drug facts can be found in patient inserts and consumer information sheets. Patient inserts and consumer info sheets are generally given out by the pharmacist or pharmacy technician. The following is suggested by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help consumers avoid accidentally overdosing their children on OTC and prescription drugs:

Suggest to parents they should write down all of the medications their children are taking and list all of the active ingredients. A daily record drug template can be found by going to: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/SafeUseofOver-the-CounterPainRelieversandFeverReducers/UCM232896.pdf

Remember one active ingredient can also treat multiple symptoms.

Advise parents and customers to make note of vitamins or supplements their child is taking as they can adversely interact with a child’s medication.

Encourage parents to read the drug facts label (even if they think they already know the ingredients). Drug manufactures can change these ingredients and labels so it is always good to read them over every time a medication is purchased.

As a pharmacy technician you can share this valuable information concerning active and inactive ingredients in a child’s medication by letting customers know how they affect their child taking other medications at the same time.

Sources:

1. “Know Active Ingredients in Children’s Meds.” FDA.gov. Web. March 2013.

10-Apr-13 8:00 AM

Brooklyn Judge Orders FDA to Lift Age Limits on Plan B Pill

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:00:00 GMT

On Friday April 5th, Federal Brooklyn Judge Edward Korman announced to the FDA that they have 30 days to abide by his ruling to lift age limits on the morning after pill, levonorgestrel, also known as Teva Women’s Health, Inc, Plan B One-Step. The judge’s ruling reversed the 2011 decision which limited over-the-counter ability of Plan B to women ages 17 and older to purchase the pill. Before the judges ruling, women 17 and under could only obtain the pill with a prescription, a decision made by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

By making the pill OTC those that oppose prescription requirements hope the pill would be easier for sexually active women to obtain. Judge Korman had this to say in his order. “The decisions of the Secretary with respect to Plan B One-Step and that of the FDA with respect to the Citizen Petition, which it had no choice to deny, were arbitrary, capricious, and unreasonable,” said Korman. According to the judge’s order Plan B would be:

On pharmacy shelves within 30 days.
Would be available without point of sale restrictions which include needing to show personal identification or needing to be a certain age to buy the product.
Plan B may be available in other settings other than a typical pharmacy with a pharmacist on duty according to Susan Wood who is Associate Professor at George Washington University’s School of Public Health and Health Services.

Pharmacy technicians will want to make note of this news and share the information with fellow technicians. More information can be found on Plan B by going to www.planbonestep.com.

Sources:

1. Plan B One-Step Web Site. www.planbonestep.com

2. Marzulli, John. “Judge Orders FDA to Make Plan B Morning After Pill Available to Females of All Ages.” NY Daily News. Web. 5 Apr 2013.

3. Evans, Vanessa. “Federal Judge Orders Age Restrictions on Plan B to Be Lifted.” Yahoo! News. Web. 5 Apr 2013.

4. Belluck, Pam. “Judge Strikes Down Age Limits on Morning After Pill.” NY Times. Web. 5 Apr 2013.

5. Landau, Elizabeth. “Judge Orders Morning-After Pill Available Without Prescription.” CNN. Web. 5 Apr 2013.

8-Apr-13 10:00 AM