Preston Pharmacy News - February, 2012

We’re remodeling!

Preston Pharmacy will soon begin the process of remodeling the pharmacy. Please be aware that this should cause no interruptions in our day to day functioning, however as we shuffle our personnel, there is always the possibility of “hiccups.” We will continue to work hard to provide you with prompt, accurate, and friendly service.

Vascular Access Class

You are invited! Preston Pharmacy has partnered with CORAM infusion services to present an IV/PICC CNE program. If you work with IV’s/PICC’s or ports, you don’t want to miss this opportunity. The program will be held Thursday February 23rd from 11am-2pm in Wichita. Topics will include vascular access devices, patient and device-related complications, flushing recommendations, dressing and securement recommendations, line design, injection ports, and legal implications for nursing. You can earn 3 hours of CE credits for attending. Cost is $10. RSVP to Kayla at Preston Pharmacy. Please refer to the informational handout for more details.

WebConnect

Have you heard about Preston Pharmacy’s WebConnect WebConnect is a safe and secure connection between the pharmacy and your facility. The web-based software provides electronic access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your staff. Facilities have access to view residents’ active medication profiles, refill medications, print patient education monographs, check for drug interactions, view geriatric precautions, check preliminary pricing of medications, print a 24-hour or full-month MAR, and much more. If you are interested in learning more about WebConnect for your facility, please contact Jill Green.

Tekturna Warning in Diabetics

The makers of Tekturna® (Aliskiren), announced that Aliskiren or Aliskiren-containing products should not be used in combination with ACE Inhibitors or ARBs in patients with diabetes. This comes from findings which showed this combination may increase the incidence of non-fatal stroke, renal complications, hyperkalemia, and hypotension. We are reviewing our records to determine if any residents fit into this category.

St. John’s Wort

Often used for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, St. John’s Wort is a plant with yellow flowers. The efficacy of St. John’s Wort for the treatment of depression is controversial. Some studies suggest it may be useful in milder forms of depression while others report little benefit when treating moderate to severe depression. When used appropriately, it is likely safe though it does have many drug interactions. Data show that it can be used safely for up to 8 weeks and a few studies suggest safety for up to a year. Side effects may include insomnia, vivid dreams, GI upset, diarrhea, dry mouth, increased sensitivity to sunlight, dizziness, and headache. Withdrawal symptoms similar to those with conventional antidepressants may occur and can be decreased by avoiding abrupt withdrawal. Drug interactions to be aware of include: digoxin, warfarin, Plavix, antidepressants, Phenobarbital, and photosensitizing drugs (amitriptyline, quinolones, sulfas, and tetracycline). When used with other antidepressants, the risk for serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome, may be increased. Monitor for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, agitation, headache, confusion, rapid blood pressure changes and tachycardia. ***This is not an all-inclusive list of the many drug interactions associated with St. John’s Wort. Please contact a pharmacist if you have questions about interactions or side effects.

Quote of the Month

“It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
–Author Unknown

References for January, 2012 Issue

Novartis website. Novartis announces termination of ALTITUDE study with Rasilez®/Tekturna® in high-risk patients with diabetes and renal impairment [press release]. Available at: novartis.com. Accessed January 16, 2012.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St. John’s Wort and depression. Available at: nih.gov. Accessed January 27, 2012.
Therapeutic Research Faculty. St. John’s Wort. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database [online]. Accessed 1/12/12.

Download

Download our newsletter for reading at a later time.

February 2012

Past issues

January, 2012
December, 2011
November, 2011
October, 2011
September, 2011
August, 2011
July, 2011
June, 2011
May, 2011
April, 2011
March, 2011
February, 2011
January, 2011
December, 2010
November, 2010
October, 2010