NPTA Articles RSS Feed

Edgemont Pharmaceuticals Introduces Fluoxetine 60 mg Tablets

Jennifer O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Pharmacy Technicians should be aware of common and not so common dosages of most medications. They should also be able to identify medications on site to avoid medication errors. Recently, Edgemont Pharmaceuticals announced a new Fluoxetine 60 mg tablet for patients who take the drug in 30 mg and 60 mg doses. Fluoxetine is the generic form of the SSRI Prozac. Original Prozac drug makers Eli Lilly received final approval and marketing rights for Prozac from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 1987. In August 2001, Fluoxetine was no longer under a patent and could then be manufactured in generic forms. Fluoxetine is used in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Bulimia Nervosa, and panic disorder. Additionally, Fluoxetine is also used in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in children and adolescents from ages 8 to 18 years and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents from ages 7 to 17 years. Prozac is one of the oldest and most widely prescribed antidepressants still prescribed today by doctors.

Early treatment is essential in the treatment of mental illnesses. Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians should encourage those suffering from a mental illness to seek treatment early on. Pharmacy Technicians can also inform and educate those who take antidepressants on the pros, cons, side-effects, and other treatment options available to those who suffer from various mental illnesses. No one should be left to feel alone.

Sources:

1. “Introducing Single Tablet Dosing: Fluoxetine 60 mg tables.” Edgemont Pharmaceuticals Press Release. Date of Access: January 26^th, 2012. www.edgemontpharma.com/fluoxetine-tablets-60mg.html.

2. “Wikipedia: Fluoxetine.” Date of Access: February 1^st, 2012. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/fluoxetine.

3-Feb-12 8:00 AM

Type 2 Diabetes Drug gets FDA Approval

Jennifer O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:15:00 GMT

According to a recent article published by RXList.com, the first Type 2 Diabetes drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Bydureon, a weekly shot available to Type 2 Diabetes patients can be given twice daily via injection and is a long acting form of the drug Byetta. Bydureon works by stimulating pancreas cells to produce insulin when blood sugar is too elevated. There are two other ways Type 2 Diabetes patients can control their condition along with injectable Bydureon – diet and exercise. This is the third time the FDA has considered the diabetes drug for approval. Previous concerns over Bydureon and possible risk of heart problems kept the drug from being approved sooner by the FDA. Along with the new approval Alkermes PLC and Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc, will now conduct studies to investigate whether certain doses of Bydureon increases the risk of heart problems in diabetes patients. Based on tests completed in a 24-week period Bydureon showed patient’s improvement with high blood sugar levels in one dose per week.

Every drug has potential side-effects. The study discovered the following side-effects in people who were injected with Bydureon: nausea, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, constipation, and indigestion. Itching at the injection site and a small bump at the injection site were also reported side-effects. “New treatment options are essential for the millions of adults with Type 2 Diabetes who continue to struggle to achieve optimal blood sugar control” said John Buse, M.D., Ph.D, professor of medicine and director of the Diabetes Care Center and chief of the Division of Endocrinology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill.

Sources:

1. Amylin Pharmaceuticals Press Release. “FDA Approves Bydureon: The first and only once-weekly treatment for Type 2 Diabetes.” January 27^th, 2012. Date of access: January 31^st, 2012. http://www.amylin.com/news/press-releases/

2. Mann, Denise. “Weekly Shot Gets FDA Nod for Type 2 Diabetes.” January 27^th, 2012. Date of access: January 30^th, 2012. http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=154145

2-Feb-12 9:15 AM

February is American Heart Month

Jennifer O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

According to the Centers for Disease Control heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. February is American Heart Month and the CDC and American Heart Association want Pharmacy Technicians to be informed of the signs of a heart attack so they can educate customers who come to the pharmacy about heart attack signs and risk factors. Many things can be done to prevent heart disease and heart attacks. Certain risk factors can increase the risk of heart disease such as high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, and second hand smoke.

Knowing heart attack signs and symptoms can help save patients lives. The number one sign of a heart attack is chest discomfort. Other signs include pain in one arm or both arms, pain in the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Signs of breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness can also occur. Eating a balanced and healthy diet, maintaining a fitness plan, and reducing stress can also help in the prevention of heart disease and heart attacks. Certain medications designed to lower cholesterol can also help keep cholesterol levels in check. Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels are also important things to monitor on a regular basis. Many pharmacies have a blood pressure machine where individuals can check their blood pressure for free. Pharmacy Technicians can inform their customers of heart attack risk factors and what they can do to stay healthy to avoid heart disease.

31-Jan-12 8:00 AM

Primatene Mist Bronchodilator No Longer Available

Jennifer O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Primatene Mist bronchodilators have been the only over the counter inhaler available for some time for those suffering from asthma and allergic asthma. Customers wishing to purchase the product will find pharmacy shelves empty with only Primatene and Bronkaid pills available. As a Pharmacy Technician you may wonder why the inhaler was removed from shelves as of December 31^st, 2011. Makers removed the inhaler due to CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) included in the ingredients as these chemicals can harm and damage the environment. Primatene Mist was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the short-term use and treatment of asthma and allergic asthma symptoms. Currently, the FDA is advising individuals to switch to another asthma medicine and advised consumers to do so before the inhaler was pulled from pharmacy shelves in December. As far as over the counter products pharmacy technicians will see Bronkaid pills and Primatene pills still on the market. Healthcare professionals and consumers should be aware of web sites selling Primatene Mist and pharmacies still carrying the product. There are a few sites still selling the product and doing so at inflated prices. Such price inflation should be reported to the FDA and consumer protection groups. According to various pharmacies in the New Orleans Metro area it is illegal to stock the inhaler on pharmacy shelves and sell it to customers. For more information on Primatene Mist please visit www.primatene.com and the Food and Drug Administration web site by going to http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm247196.htm.

26-Jan-12 8:00 AM

Pharmaceutical Industry Still Up In Arms Over Disposal of Unused Medication

Jennifer O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:00:00 GMT

The pharmaceutical industry continues to be up in arms concerning the disposal of prescription medication. Some politicians have suggested that a medicine take-back program will not solve the problem of what to do with old meds and will not solve the issue of addiction. With all of the bantering going on the war on illegal drug use and abuse continues. In addition, stockpiles of medication continue to mount up as patients keep old meds in their medicine cabinet or dresser drawers.

The best way to dispose of medications is to get rid of them through a medicine take-back program. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a medicine take-back program is a program in which unwanted, expired, or unused medications can be disposed of properly. Some medications can be disposed of from home, but the chance of someone obtaining the medication after it has been disposed of is a possibility. Local and county government household and trash recycling services can inform consumers of what services are available to assist them in the removal of medications. If there are no take-back programs in a patient’s area they should ask their pharmacist or pharmacy technician how they should dispose of their medication. There are certain ways particular medications need to be properly disposed of. Pharmacists and technicians can advise patients how to properly dispose of drugs so they will not prove harmful to others, animals, and environment.

Sources:

1. “FDA: Disposal of unused medicines: What you should know.” Date of access: January 23^rd, 2012. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/EnsuringSafeUseofMedicine/SafeDisposalofMedicines/ucm186188.htm

2. Silverman, Ed. “Pharma fights effort to dispose of unused meds.” Date of access: January 23^rd, 2012. http://www.pharmalot.com/2012/01/pharma-fights-effort-to-dispose-of-unused-meds/

23-Jan-12 2:00 PM

Signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes

Jennifer O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Recently, Food Network Star Paula Deen was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. She will now have to change her diet, lifestyle, and will need to monitor her insulin level daily. Deen will also need to alter some of her famous recipes as well. Knowing how to recognize diabetes and its symptoms are important to patient’s health and well-being. The good side to this story is that she was able to catch her diagnosis early on. There are some tell tale signs Pharmacy Technicians should be aware of concerning Type 2 diabetes. Being aware of these signs and symptoms, technicians can inform and educate patients so their customers can get a better hold on their condition.

According to WebMD, a third of people who have Type 2 Diabetes are now aware that they have it. Symptoms of type 2 Diabetes as a result of elevated blood sugar can include: increased thirst, increased hunger (can increase after eating), dry mouth, frequent urination, unexpected weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, and possible loss of consciousness. Loss of consciousness can occur, but is generally rare. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes will decreases the chances of patients having serious complications later on. With proper education, treatment, and understanding patients can live a long and healthy life.

19-Jan-12 3:00 PM

January is Cervical Cancer Month

Jennifer S. O'Reilly - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:00:00 GMT

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and NPTA wants Pharmacy Technicians to be aware of this very crucial month. According to the Centers for disease control and prevention cervical cancer is preventable with vaccines, routine screening tests, and follow-up care. The CDC also advises that cervical cancer is curable if discovered and treated early. Once the cancer is detected patients should seek treatment options right away. Cancer can spread quickly and starting treatment early is crucial to getting getting and staying well.

Cervical Cancer is generally common in women over ages 30, but all women are susceptible to cervical cancer. Women age 21 should get regular Pap smear tests. Young women can begin getting vaccinated as early as age 11 or 12. The Pap smear tests seek precancers and the HPV tests seek viruses that can cause precancers. Depending on patients insurance - tests, vaccines, and treatment are covered. There are also programs designed to assist those who have low income in obtaining healthcare needed to prevent cervical cancer. Patients should ask their doctor, pharmacist, or pharmacy tech what programs are available to assist low income patients. Remember that early detection is key in preventing Cervical Cancer. To learn more about Cervical Cancer, treatments, and prevention, go to the CDC web site at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/CervicalCancer.

15-Jan-12 2:00 PM

Special Message from NPTA

MIKE JOHNSTON - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:17:28 GMT

Untitled Document

Happy National Pharmacy Technician Day!

From all of us here at NPTA, we just want to send a special thank you for all that you do every day to help American feel better.

As a token of our appreciation, we would like to offer a FREE 2 Hour Law CE to you. To access the free online course (available through 11-25-11) or to download the official logo or poster for National Pharmacy Technician Day - go to http://www.pharmacytechnician.org/PTday/

Enjoy your special day!
- NPTA Staff

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

25-Oct-11 10:17 AM

CPE Activity Announcement: Medication Reconciliation for Pharmacy Technicians

MIKE JOHNSTON - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Medication Reconciliation for Pharmacy Technicians
By Lezlie Cohn-Oswald, CPhT

This KNOWLEDGE-BASED activity is accredited for 2.0 contact hours.

ACPE UAN: 0384-0000-11-016-H04-T
0384-0000-11-016-L04-T

Release Date: October 14, 2011 Expiration Date: October 14, 2014

Target Audience: Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) working in contemporary pharmacy practice settings

Fees: This activity is included in the registration fee for RxPO 2011.
For individuals who did not register for RxPO 2011, the fee for this activity is $15 for members of NPTA or $25 for non-members.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

define and describe the concept of medication reconciliation;
identify the information required for a complete medication reconciliation;
explain how pharmacy technicians can be utilized for medication reconciliation in any workstie

About the Faculty: Lezlie Cohn-Oswald, CPhT
Lezlie has been a pharmacy technician for 28 years and has been an advanced practice clinical pharmacy technician since 1998. She developed and is the Associate Director of the Pharmacy Technician Externship Program at the VASLCHCS. Lezlie serves as the Technician Board Member of her local ASHP affiliate and was a member of the Technician Committee for ASHP from 2007-2010.

Lezlie disclosed having no conflicts of interest for this CPE activity.

To Obtain Credit for this Activity:
For 0384-0000-11-016-H04-T(on demand version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, complete and pass the learning assessment quiz with a score of 70% or higher. Participants whom score 69% or below will be notified and permitted to retake the exam one time at no additional charge. Upon passing the learning assessment quiz, participants will receive a statement of credit, available online immediately. An online activity evaluation form will be emailed to each participant.

For 0384-0000-11-016-L04-T (live version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, then complete an online evaluation form. Upon completing the evaluation form, instructions will be provided on how to access a statement of credit, available online immediately.

The National Pharmacy Technician Association, Inc. (NPTA) is accredited by
the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of
continuing pharmacy education.

26-Sep-11 7:00 PM

CPE Activity Announcement: Understanding the Business of Pharmacy

MIKE JOHNSTON - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Understanding the Business of Pharmacy
By Wendy Meigs, RPh

This KNOWLEDGE-BASED activity is accredited for 1.0 contact hours.

ACPE UAN: 0384-0000-11-012-H04-T
0384-0000-11-012-L04-T

Release Date: October 16, 2011 Expiration Date: October 16, 2014

Target Audience: Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) working in contemporary pharmacy practice settings

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

identify key areas in which pharmacy technicians can contribute to cost reduction or cost savings;
identify key areas in which pharmacy technicians can contribute to revenue generation or net profit improvement;
explain how economic environmental factors can impact pharmacy operations, as well as pharmacy technician hour/wages/benefits;
identify how pharmacy technicians can become a more valuable and prized asset from teh business perspective of pharmacy.

About the Faculty: Wendy Meigs, RPh
Wendy has practiced in pharmacy for 26 years; three years as a pharmacy technician and 23 years as a licensed pharmacist.She has practiced in community, institutional, home care and infusion pharmacy settings. Wendy is certified in pharmaceutical compounding, respiratory medications and as a pedorthist. Wendy serves as a member of NPTA's Board of Directors as well as the Vice-President of Professional Affairs. Her participation within NPTA's leadership structure provides insight, collaboration and feedback that is invaluable...as pharmacy moves to a more collaborative profession.

Wendy disclosed having no conflicts of interest for this CPE activity.

To Obtain Credit for this Activity:
For 0384-0000-11-012-H04-T(on demand version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, complete and pass the learning assessment quiz with a score of 70% or higher. Participants whom score 69% or below will be notified and permitted to retake the exam one time at no additional charge. Upon passing the learning assessment quiz, participants will receive a statement of credit, available online immediately. An online activity evaluation form will be emailed to each participant.

For 0384-0000-12-012-L04-T (live version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, then complete an online evaluation form. Upon completing the evaluation form, instructions will be provided on how to access a statement of credit, available online immediately.

The National Pharmacy Technician Association, Inc. (NPTA) is accredited by
the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of
continuing pharmacy education.

26-Sep-11 7:00 PM

CPE Activity Announcement: Advanced Areas of Practice of Pharmacy Technicians

MIKE JOHNSTON - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Advanced Areas of Practice for Pharmacy Technicians
By Lezlie Cohn-Oswald, CPhT

This KNOWLEDGE-BASED activity is accredited for 2.0 contact hours.

ACPE UAN: 0384-0000-11-014-H04-T
0384-0000-11-014-L04-T

Release Date: October 10, 2011 Expiration Date: October 10, 2014

Target Audience: Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) working in contemporary pharmacy practice settings

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

list areas of advanced practice for pharmacy technicians;
explain opportunities where advanced practice pharmacy technicians may be utilized;
describe proposals on how to affect advanced areas of practice for pharmacy technicians at various worksites;
define the education and competencies needed for advanced areas of practice for pharmacy technicians

Lezlie disclosed having no conflicts of interest for this CPE activity.

To Obtain Credit for this Activity:
For 0384-0000-11-014-H04-T(on demand version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, complete and pass the learning assessment quiz with a score of 70% or higher. Participants whom score 69% or below will be notified and permitted to retake the exam one time at no additional charge. Upon passing the learning assessment quiz, participants will receive a statement of credit, available online immediately. An online activity evaluation form will be emailed to each participant.

For 0384-0000-11-014-L04-T (live version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, then complete an online evaluation form. Upon completing the evaluation form, instructions will be provided on how to access a statement of credit, available online immediately.

The National Pharmacy Technician Association, Inc. (NPTA) is accredited by
the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of
continuing pharmacy education.

26-Sep-11 7:00 PM

CPE Activity Announcement: Maximizing Pharmacy Workflow

MIKE JOHNSTON - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Maximizing Pharmacy Workflow
By Richard Marasco, BS Pharm., FASCP, CGP, HRM

This KNOWLEDGE-BASED activity is accredited for 2.0 contact hours.

ACPE UAN: 0384-0000-11-015-H04-T
0384-0000-11-015-L04-T

Release Date: October 12, 2011 Expiration Date: October 12, 2014

Target Audience: Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) working in contemporary pharmacy practice settings

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

list the components of pharmacy operations;
explain how the components of pharmacy operations are integrated together;
describe strategies to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of pharmacy operations;
identify the roles of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in pharmacy workflow management.

About the Faculty: Richard Marasco, BS Pharm., FASCP, CGP, HRM
Richard Marasco is a consultant pharmacist and President of Seniorpharm.com, LLC and Pharmaceutical Care & Management Services based in Valdosta, Georgia. These companies provide medical and pharmaceutical education, advisory, direct patient care and consulting services. He also works as a staff pharmacist for the Medicinne Shoppe Pharmacy of Valdosta.

Richard disclosed having served as a consultant for Abbott, Amgen, BI; he has served on the speaker bureau of, or has received honorariums for activities sponsored by Abbott, Amgen, Jansen, J&J Long Term Care, Novartis, Pfizer, Merck and Astellas; Richard's company has received educational grants from Allergan, Astellas, Eisai, Forest, Eli Lilly, Non Nordisk, Ortho Biotech, Sanofi-Aventis and Watson. No conflicts on interest have been observed with Richard's participation in this activity.

To Obtain Credit for this Activity:
For 0384-0000-11-015-H04-T(on demand version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, complete and pass the learning assessment quiz with a score of 70% or higher. Participants whom score 69% or below will be notified and permitted to retake the exam one time at no additional charge. Upon passing the learning assessment quiz, participants will receive a statement of credit, available online immediately. An online activity evaluation form will be emailed to each participant.

For 0384-0000-11-015-L04-T (live version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, then complete an online evaluation form. Upon completing the evaluation form, instructions will be provided on how to access a statement of credit, available online immediately.

The National Pharmacy Technician Association, Inc. (NPTA) is accredited by
the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of
continuing pharmacy education.

26-Sep-11 7:00 PM

CPE Activity Announcement: Improving Communications in the Pharmacy

MIKE JOHNSTON - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Improving Communications in Pharmacy
By Richard Marasco, BS Pharm., FASCP, CGP, HRM

This KNOWLEDGE-BASED activity is accredited for 2.0 contact hours.

ACPE UAN: 0384-0000-11-018-H04-T
                     0384-0000-11-018-H04-P
                       0384-0000-11-018-L04-T
                       0384-0000-11-018-L04-P

Release Date: October 5, 2011       Expiration Date: October 5, 2014

Target Audience: Pharmacists and Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) working in contemporary pharmacy practice settings

Pharmacy Technician Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

identify the components of communication;
explain how the components of communication are used in pharmacy practice;
list the barriers to effective communication;
describe how communication changes based on the person being communicated with.

Pharmacist Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

identify the components of communication;
explain how the components of communication are used in pharmacy practice;
list the barriers to effective communication;
describe how communication changes based on the person being communicated with.

To Obtain Credit for this Activity:
For 0384-0000-11-018-H04-T and 0384-0000-11-018-H04-P (on demand version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, complete and pass the learning assessment quiz with a score of 70% or higher. Participants whom score 69% or below will be notified and permitted to retake the exam one time at no additional charge. Upon passing the learning assessment quiz, participants will receive a statement of credit, available online immediately. An online activity evaluation form will be emailed to each participant.

For 0384-0000-11-018-L04-T and 0384-0000-11-018-L04-P (live version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, then complete an online evaluation form. Upon completing the evaluation form, instructions will be provided on how to access a statement of credit, available online immediately.

The National Pharmacy Technician Association, Inc. (NPTA) is accredited by
the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of
continuing pharmacy education.

26-Sep-11 6:00 PM

CPE Activity Announcement: Reducing Labeling and Filling Errors for Spanish-Speaking Patients

MIKE JOHNSTON - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Reducing Labeling and Filling Errors for Spanish-Speaking Patients
By Stephanie Langston

This KNOWLEDGE-BASED activity is accredited for 1.0 contact hours.

ACPE UAN: 0384-0000-11-017-H05-T
                     0384-0000-11-017-H05-P
                       0384-0000-11-017-L05-T
                       0384-0000-11-017-L05-P

Release Date: October 8, 2011       Expiration Date: October 8, 2014

Target Audience: Pharmacists and Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) working in contemporary pharmacy practice settings

Pharmacy Technician Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

compare cultural traits of Latinos with those of European Americans;
explain why the order of a Spanish speaker's full name can cause labeling and filling errors;
identify common errors in labeling caused by computer-generated Spanish translations;
identify common problems in labeld direction compliance for Spanish-speaking patients;
state common directions for use accurately in Spanish.

Pharmacist Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

compare cultural traits of Latinos with those of European Americans;
explain why the order of a Spanish speaker's full name can cause labeling and filling errors;
identify common errors in labeling caused by computer-generated Spanish translations;
identify common problems in labeld direction compliance for Spanish-speaking patients;
state common directions for use accurately in Spanish.

About the Faculty: Stephanie Langston

To Obtain Credit for this Activity:
For 0384-0000-11-017-H05-T and 0384-0000-11-017-H05-P (on demand version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, complete and pass the learning assessment quiz with a score of 70% or higher. Participants whom score 69% or below will be notified and permitted to retake the exam one time at no additional charge. Upon passing the learning assessment quiz, participants will receive a statement of credit, available online immediately. An online activity evaluation form will be emailed to each participant.

For 0384-0000-11-017-L05-T and 0384-0000-11-017-L05-P (live version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, then complete an online evaluation form. Upon completing the evaluation form, instructions will be provided on how to access a statement of credit, available online immediately.

The National Pharmacy Technician Association, Inc. (NPTA) is accredited by
the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of
continuing pharmacy education.

26-Sep-11 6:00 PM

CPE Activity Announcement: Teamwork in the Pharmacy

MIKE JOHNSTON - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Teamwork in the Pharmacy
By Hannah Stokely, CPhT

This KNOWLEDGE-BASED activity is accredited for 2.0 contact hours.

ACPE UAN: 0384-0000-11-013-H04-T
0384-0000-11-013-L04-T

Release Date: October 9, 2011 Expiration Date: October 9, 2014

Target Audience: Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) working in contemporary pharmacy practice settings

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

define teamwork and describe methods to reinforce it within their own organization;
create a plan to maximize pharmacy workflow by utilizing teamwork;
illustrate the importance of teamwork as it relates to better communication;
identify ways in which medication errors can be prevented through teamwork.

About the Faculty: Hannah Stokely, CPhT
Hannah has been in the pharmacy field since 2006 and has an extensive background. Her experience includes retail, hospital, long term care and infusion clinics.

Hannah disclosed having no conflicts of interest for this CPE activity.

To Obtain Credit for this Activity:
For 0384-0000-11-013-H04-T(on demand version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, complete and pass the learning assessment quiz with a score of 70% or higher. Participants whom score 69% or below will be notified and permitted to retake the exam one time at no additional charge. Upon passing the learning assessment quiz, participants will receive a statement of credit, available online immediately. An online activity evaluation form will be emailed to each participant.

For 0384-0000-11-013-L04-T (live version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, then complete an online evaluation form. Upon completing the evaluation form, instructions will be provided on how to access a statement of credit, available online immediately.

The National Pharmacy Technician Association, Inc. (NPTA) is accredited by
the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of
continuing pharmacy education.

26-Sep-11 6:00 PM

CPE Activity Announcement: Reducing Medication Errors

MIKE JOHNSTON - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Reducing Medication Errors
By Vanessa Mrazek, MBA, CPhT

This KNOWLEDGE-BASED activity is accredited for 2.0 contact hours.

ACPE UAN: 0384-0000-11-011-H05-T
0384-0000-11-011-L05-T

Release Date: October 2, 2011 Expiration Date: October 2, 2014

Target Audience: Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) working in contemporary pharmacy practice settings

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

identify different components that make education an important part of reducing medication errors;
demonstrate the parts of a prescription on both controlled and non-controlled medications;
identify situations in which it is important to alert a pharmacist that a physician may need to be contacted;
classify medications and what they are used for to ensure that documented reasons on prescriptions lead to medication errors;
describe different situations in which medication errors can be avoided by having the pharmacist counsel patients.

About the Faculty: Vanessa Mrazek, MBA, CPhT
Vanessa is currently the Director of Pharmacy Technology at Fortis College in Westerville, OH. She has ten years experience in the pharmacy field covering retail, mail order, long term care, and education. She has her Bachelor's in Healthcare Management and Master's in Strategic Leadership from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.

Vanessa disclosed having no conflicts of interest for this CPE activity.

To Obtain Credit for this Activity:
For 0384-0000-11-011-H05-T(on demand version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, complete and pass the learning assessment quiz with a score of 70% or higher. Participants whom score 69% or below will be notified and permitted to retake the exam one time at no additional charge. Upon passing the learning assessment quiz, participants will receive a statement of credit, available online immediately. An online activity evaluation form will be emailed to each participant.

For 0384-0000-11-011-L05-T (live version)
Participants must view the program in its entirety, then complete an online evaluation form. Upon completing the evaluation form, instructions will be provided on how to access a statement of credit, available online immediately.

The National Pharmacy Technician Association, Inc. (NPTA) is accredited by
the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of
continuing pharmacy education.

26-Sep-11 5:00 PM

CPE Activity Announcement: Pain Management Through the Use of Analgesics

MIKE JOHNSTON - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:45:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce an upcoming CPE Activity from NPTA:

Pain Management Through the Use of Analgesics
By Vanessa Mrazek, CPhT

This KNOWLEDGE-BASED activity is accredited for 2.0 contact hours.

ACPE UAN: 0384-0000-11-009-H01-T

Release Date: Sept. 23, 2011 Expires: Sept. 23, 2014

Target Audience: Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) working in contemporary pharmacy practice settings

Fees: FREE for NPTA Members, $15 for non-members

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

define addiction, dependence and tolerance and the differences between them.
differentiate between different groups of analgesics.
explain the signs and symptoms of analgesic addiction.
understand the purpose and need for analgesics.
identify the differences in age groups using analgesics.
explain the importance ofpain management scales and their use in certain situations.
summarize the stigmas surrounding analgesics.

To obtain credit for this activity: Participants must read/study the journal article in its entirety, complete and pass the learning assessment quiz with a score of 70% or higher. Participants whom score 69% or below will be notified and permitted to retake the exam one time at no additional charge.

Features are provided for participants to enhance their educational experience through active learning exercises and learning assessment exercises.

The National Pharmacy Technician Association, Inc. (NPTA) is accredited by
the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of
continuing pharmacy education.

1-Sep-11 4:45 PM

CPE Announcement: Pharmacy Technicians and the Law: Scope of Responsibilities and Liability

NPTA - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce an upcoming Law CPE Activity from NPTA.

Pharmacy Technicians and the Law: Scope of Responsibilities and Liability
By Christina M. Nunemacher, R.Ph.

This KNOWLEDGE-BASED activity is accredited for 2.0 contact hours.

ACPE UAN: 0384-0000-11-008-H03-T

Release Date: June 30, 2011 Expires: June 30, 2014

Target Audience: Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) working in contemporary pharmacy practice settings

Fees: FREE for NPTA Members, $15 for non-members

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Explain how job responsibilities for pharmacy technicians are determined;
Understand how tort law impacts the practice of pharmacy;
Recognize various types of medication errors that can lead to liability;
Distinguish between judgmental and non-judgmental tasks that may occur in a pharmacy setting;
Define by example the terms “negligence,” “malpractice,” and “respondeat superior”;
Explain the impact of “Emily’s Law” in relation to current practice standards for pharmacy technicians.

Features are provided for participants to enhance their educational experience through active learning exercises and learning assessment exercises.

The National Pharmacy Technician Association, Inc. (NPTA) is accredited by
the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of
continuing pharmacy education.

29-Jun-11 3:00 PM

Pharmacy Technicians Assist in Development of Drug Shortage Protocols

Thu, 26 May 2011 19:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC—Hospital and health-system pharmacies continue to develop proactive strategies to manage drug shortages and promote patient safety with the support of Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs).

Manufacturing issues, including shortages in raw materials and packaging supplies, product discontinuation, limited manufacturing capacity, and pharmaceutical industry consolidation, have led to a significant increase in drug shortages over the last five years. To avoid compromising patient care associated with shortages, hospital and health-system pharmacies have developed proactive strategies to streamline inventory maintenance and utilize key staff, including CPhTs, in pharmacy operations.

As part of the supply chain team, many health-system pharmacies utilize CPhTs as the pharmacy purchaser or buyer. In this capacity, CPhTs play a crucial role in assisting the pharmacy team with procurement of medications and management of inventory.

“Pharmacy technicians are instrumental in managing inventory and communicating department needs to supervisors,” said Erin Fox, PharmD, Manager, Drug Information Services, University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics. “By working cooperatively within the pharmacy team, they allow the department to better optimize daily workflow output and reprioritize medication distribution activities as patients’ needs change.”

Health-system pharmacies may better manage drug shortages by effectively utilizing available technology. Automation has evolved to expand distribution system capabilities and improve safety and efficiency in distribution. Automation pharmacy technicians, responsible for the management of automated dispensing devices such as robots or automated dispensing cabinets, assist with the implementation, maintenance, and optimization of these technologies, and may be called upon to assist with drug shortage responsibilities. This includes assisting with product distribution, database modification, and the redistribution of product to areas of higher need.

“The accurate and timely distribution of medications to patients is a well-established responsibility in pharmacy practice,” said Melissa Murer Corrigan, RPh, Executive Director and CEO of PTCB. “With the support of CPhTs in purchasing and automation roles, pharmacists may increase their involvement in patient care activities.”

In response to recent drug shortages, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Robert Casey (D-PA), with support of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, introduced the Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act (S 296) in February. If enacted, this legislation would provide the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with additional tools to help prevent future drug shortages and require manufacturers to advise FDA when any discontinuance, interruption, or other action may decrease the supply of a drug to a level below the current demand.

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About the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
PTCB was established in January 1995 and is governed by five pharmacy organizations—the American
Pharmacists Association (APhA), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the
Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (ICHP), the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA)
and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). The goal of the PTCB national
certification program is to enable pharmacy technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to
offer safe and effective patient care and service. PTCB contracts with Pearson VUE, the industry's
technology leader, as its computer-based testing vendor. PTCB draws upon the experience and expertise
of its 15-year partner, Professional Examination Service (PES) for test development.
Visit PTCB online at www.ptcb.org.

26-May-11 2:00 PM

CPE Announcement: Prevention, Treatment and Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Review for Pharmacy Technicians

Laura De La Rosa - noemail@pharmacytechnician.org — Mon, 09 May 2011 16:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce an upcoming CPE Activity from NPTA.

Prevention, Treatment and Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Review for Pharmacy Technicians
By Dominic P. Decker, CPhT

This KNOWLEDGE-BASED activity is accredited for 2.0 contact hours.

ACPE UAN: 0384-0000-11-003-H01-T
Release Date: April 25, 2011 Expires: April 25, 2014

Target Audience: Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) working in contemporary pharmacy practice settings

Fees: FREE for NPTA Members, $15 for non-members

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Define the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States in terms of their transmission modes and clinical presentation;
Recognize types of diagnostic testing used in clinical settings to confirm STD infection;
List medications used for the treatment of STDs;
Learn about preventative measures that can be taken to slow or stop the spread of STDs;
Identify populations at high-risk for contracting STDs and understand behavioral counseling techniques used in conversation with these patients;
Reinforce the role of the pharmacy technician in the treatment and prevention of STDs.

An “Idea in Practice” feature is provided for participants to enhance their educational experience through active learning and an “Idea in Brief” feature is provided for participants to assess their learning.

9-May-11 11:00 AM