Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

Combatting The Opioid Epidemic In Texas By Holding Big Pharma Manufacturers Liable, Katherine Spiser

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract forthcoming

The Role Of The Pharmacy Team In Atrial Fibrillation Detection In Nonclinical Settings, Brian C. Hazelrigg, Monica L. Miller, Sotiris Antoniou, Jagjot Chahal, Sadeer Fhadil

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac/heart disease that increases a person’s risk of death, making early identification significant in overall disease management. Throughout my time in pharmacy school, I [Brian] have developed an interest in cardiology and research. During my last year of pharmacy school, I spent eight weeks at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, in London, England, one of the largest cardiac centers within Europe, on an experiential training experience. While there, I had the opportunity to study specifics about many cardiac illnesses, with a focus on atrial fibrillation, and provide education to patients living with this disease. In addition …

Population Health Management, Data And Technology, Helena Ladd, Cody Hepp, Anna Mccloud, Hannah Granger, Mary Ellen Hethcox, Samuel Calabrese

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

No abstract provided.

A Pharmacist's Guide To Vaccinations, Amy Gillman, Jessica Beck, Vincent Wu

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

No abstract provided.

Understanding Drug Shortages As A Pharmacist, Heather Helsel, Thomas Otroba, Juliana Zschoche, Elizabeth Dodds-Ashley

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

No abstract provided.

A Pharmacist's Role In Educating On The Health Risks Of Smoking During Pregnancy And Helping Patients With Smoking Cessation, Alexandra Herman, Cassandra Hacker, Emily Wells, Brian Heilbronner, Brittany L. Long

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

While many people know smoking causes cancer, heart disease and other major health problems, smoking during pregnancy causes additional fetal health complications including birth defects, premature birth and infant death. Cigarettes contain carbon monoxide and nicotine, both of which can cause a decrease in oxygen delivery to the fetus' developing tissues causing organs like the brain, lungs, kidneys and ears not to develop properly. If children are exposed to these toxins through secondhand smoke after birth, they are more likely to experience severe health problems such as ear infections, cataracts, lung cancer and heart disease. It is also known that …

Maternal And Infant Health Benefits Related To Infantile Feeding Methods, Michaela Wolford, Alexa Bouts, Carmen Lariccia, Cara Walden, Anh Dao Le, Andrew M. Roecker

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Human breast milk is known to provide the most complete nutrition to growing infants. There may be more gained from breastfeeding than simply nutritional fulfillment-recent research has uncovered benefits related to the development and health of infants. Breastfeeding has been shown to stimulate immune system development by exposing the infant to bacteria and antibodies from the mother. Breastfeeding may also benefit nursing mothers by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance as well as decreasing postpartum weight gain. In place of breastfeeding, formulas are able to provide an infant with necessary nutrition. Many infant formulas have been enriched with probiotics and …

Health Risks And Emerging Trends With The Use Of Electronic Cigarettes, Lucy Wagala, Austin Hopkins, Natalie Lennartz, Brian Heilbronner, Brittany L. Long, Natalie Dipietro Mager

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Cigarette smoking is associated with many health risks and complications. Despite smokers' strong desire to quit, most battle with nicotine withdrawal and relapse. Because electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) do not contain tobacco, some believe them to be safer than traditional cigarettes and have used them as a replacement or adjunct nicotine source to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Electronic cigarettes are designed to mimic traditional cigarettes and expel a vapor composed of nicotine, water, glycerol, propylene glycol and other flavorings. Many e-cigarette companies use appealing platforms, which promise smoking cessation and harm reduction, to attract consumers; however, several studies have found e-cigarettes actually …

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome From Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Use During Pregnancy, Elizabeth Kramer, Maria Patnella, Rachel Bulko, Allie Harrison, Hannah Lamb, Manoranjan D'Souza

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a concern for infants born to mothers receiving treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) throughout the pregnancy. The risk of NAS associated with SSRI use during pregnancy varies with the specific SSRI that is used by the patient during pregnancy. Common symptoms of NAS include premature delivery, gastrointestinal disturbances, irritability, low birth weight, short length and lack of response to various stimuli. Neonates that present with these symptoms can be scored using either the Finnegan or Lipsitz scoring tools. Neonates experiencing NAS can be calmed or treated using nonpharmacologic methods such as swaddling, …

Improving Healthcare Costs And Patient Outcomes Across Healthcare Professions, Hannah Lamb, Jourdan Ujlaki, Paige Torbet, Isabel Cwikla, Rebecca Worden, Michael Rush

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Healthcare professionals must be aware of the importance of preventive medicine and the responsibility they have in contributing to it. There are three levels of preventive medicine that a healthcare professional can provide based on the patient population that is receiving care and the goals of the particular service. Preventive medicine has the ability to improve both overall healthcare costs and have a positive impact on a patient's quality of life. All healthcare professionals have the potential to fulfill a role in each level of preventive medicine, and should understand the role of each member of the healthcare team, to …

Zika Virus Induced Neurological Disorders And Impacts On Public Health, Alexandra Herman, Martha Zimmerman, Olivia Vanscoy, Olivia Henton, Lindsey Peters

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Zika virus is a public health emergency of international concern. Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen that is carried by the Aedes genus. Zika is spread through direct bite and nonvector transmission. Most individuals infected with Zika will be asymptomatic, but some may present nonspecific viral symptoms. A rising number of neurological disorders in newborns whose mothers were infected with ZIKV during pregnancy have been reported due to recent outbreaks. Neurological disorders affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems and can result from bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections of the nervous system or from the immune response …

Zika Virus: Infectious Process And Public Health Response, Morgan Homan, Julia Dickman, Jenna Deininger, Austin Hopkins, Olivia Henton, Steven N. Leonard

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

The Zika virus has become a growing concern as a global pandemic. Since being identified in Uganda in 1947, the virus has spread around the world, recently emerging in South America with a great impact on Brazil. As of 2016, Zika has made its appearance in the United States and is now actively being transmitted in Florida. The virus is a mosquito-vectored flavivirus primarily transmitted by the Aedes mosquito which infects a human through biting. Transmission through sexual intercourse is also possible as well as transmission from a pregnant woman to her fetus. This latter form of transmission presents the …

Pharmacists' Role In Preconception Care, Kelsey Weisenburger, Jamie Kellner, Hannah Granger, Natalie A. Dipietro Mager

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Within the current health care system, preconception care is often a misunderstood topic and, in many cases, a missed opportunity to improve women's health and decrease adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is important that preconception care is delivered to all women of childbearing age, regardless of pregnancy intentions, as the interventions associated with preconception care can help improve a woman's health overall. In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released four goals, 10 recommendations, and 14 evidence-based interventions regarding preconception care. Pharmacists can have a significant role in ensuring preconception care for all women through the application of …

Pharmacists' Role In Emergency Preparedness And Response, Jamie Kellner, Ginny Daniels, Maureen Moynihan, Joseph Stecyk, Kasie Bellmann, Natalie Dipietro

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Over the past decade, an increased recognition of the need for budgeting and planning in case of terrorist attacks, use of infectious agents as weapons or major weather disasters has brought emergency preparedness to the forefront within health care systems and federal organizations. Pharmacists have taken active roles in activities related to emergency preparedness and response. New training initiatives and a comprehensive understanding of the overall needs in emergency situations enables pharmacists to utilize their drug knowledge and accessibility to the public to provide vital medical care in stressful situations.

Whooping Cough: A Pharmacist's Role In An Emerging Endemic, Haley Armstrong, Lydia Suchecki, Sarah Lipperman, Taylor Roberson, Andrew M. Roecker

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Pertussis is an acute infectious disease caused by the organism Bordetella pertussis and characterized by a "whooping cough." Incidence of the disease had declined since the development of a vaccine, but is now increasing in reported cases. This increase has been attributed to both an increased awareness but also surmised to be related to a decrease in vaccinations. The pertussis vaccine is given in conjunction with tetanus and diphtheria vaccines to children before the age of 6 in five separate injections over the course of four to six years. A booster is now recommended for the older child and adults …

Emergency Contraception: A Comparison Of Levonorgestrel And Ulipristal Acetate, Tara Tokar, Rachel Muhlenkamp, Kelsey Lindsley, Alison Steinbrunner, Michelle Musser

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Emergency contraceptives (EC) are a birth control method that is available to minimize unintended pregnancies that might result from unprotected intercourse. Several products are on the market and largely contain levonorgestrel as the active component, including Plan B One-Step®, Next Choice®, Next Choice One Dose™ and My Way®. These are labeled as effective up to 72 hours after intercourse and are available without a prescription. Another product, Ella™, contains ulipristal acetate and can be effective up to 120 hours after intercourse, but does require a prescription. Legislative issues have surrounded these products. At this point in time only Plan B …

Makena®: A Drug For Reducing The Risk Of Preterm Labor, Amanda Lovell, Kasie Bellman, Kelsey Fink, Jessica Beck, Michelle Musser

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Makena®, hydroxyprogesterone caproate, is an intramuscular injection that is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to reduce the risk of preterm delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy in pregnant women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth, who are not currently carrying multiple children. One in nine babies born in the United States each year is born prematurely, or before 37 weeks gestation, and mothers who have previously delivered a premature baby are 2.5 times more likely to deliver another baby prematurely. Makena® is administered by a health care professional as a single intramuscular injection to the hip and …

Endometriosis: The Etiology And Recommended Treatment, Amanda Lovell, Kasie Bellmann, Kelsey Fink, Jessica Beck, Michelle Musser

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that occurs in women between the ages of 15 and 49 years, in which endometrial cells grow outside the uterus. Normally, endometrial cells form the endometrium and respond to hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, but when endometrial cells are located outside the endometrium, painful bleeding and other side effects may occur. Treatment of endometriosis is usually symptomatic relief, including the use of oral contraceptives and other hormone replacement options, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. To ensure that patients receive the appropriate treatment for this condition, pharmacists should be able to recognize the signs and …

Immunization Guidelines For Pregnant Women, Kelly Dye, Maria Laikos, Tristan Maiers, Eric Stack, Natalie Dipietro

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

There are many misconceptions among the general public regarding the administration of vaccinations during pregnancy. It is imperative for pharmacists to be current regarding guidelines and updates about recommended vaccines. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that while some vaccines are highly recommended during pregnancy, others have limited safety data or are contraindicated. As new data emerges on the safety and efficacy of immunizations during pregnancy, pharmacists should continue to review the literature to stay up-to-date on vaccination recommendations. The CDC also has information available for pharmacists and other health care professionals regarding the use …

Improving Maternal And Fetal Health: A Look At Thyroid Function During Pregnancy, Sarah Ginty, Jessica Beck, Taylor Gauthier, Amanda Meyer, Michelle R. Musser

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Maintenance of thyroid function during pregnancy is critical for both maternal and fetal health and development; therefore, knowledge regarding the relationship between thyroid hormones and pregnancy is essential. The American Thyroid Association task force has developed clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease during pregnancy. Gestational thyroid diseases are divided into two classifications, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which are further divided into more specific classifications based on clinical presentation. Differentiation, diagnosis, and monitoring of thyroid diseases throughout pregnancy require assessing symptoms, as well as obtaining levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) concentration by a simple …

Lysteda® For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, Erica B. Schoenberger, Todd A. Tucker Jr., Justin W. Steele, Amanda Meyer, Sandra L. Hrometz

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Lysteda®, a novel formulation of tranexamic acid, is an antifibrinolytic medication recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. Tranexamic acid has been shown to significantly reduce menstrual blood loss while simultaneously allowing a woman to safely become pregnant. The major advantage of Lysteda® (an oral modified-release formulation of tranexamic acid) compared to oral immediate-release tranexamic acid, is the decreased occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects. As there are no therapeutic equivalents to Lysteda® for heavy menstrual bleeding, it is important for pharmacists to be able to counsel patients appropriately on the specific …

Effects Of Hormone Therapy On Cognition In Post-Menopausal Women, Jessica Langhals, Megan Meyer, Erica Schoenberger, Amanda Meyer, Kristen Finley Sobota

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Menopause occurs as a result of decreased natural estrogen production by the body. A variety of short-term and long-term symptoms can occur during menopause, which may significantly impact a woman's daily life. Hormone therapy (HT) is commonly employed to alleviate these unwanted symptoms and to regain balance of hormone levels. Options include estrogen-only or estrogen-progestin combination therapy. While HT may help relieve symptoms such as cognitive decline caused by menopause, it also carries potential side effects. Although HT has shown a potential benefit in women with Alzheimer's disease (AD), overall outcomes measuring cognitive function improvement are inconclusive. Therefore, HT should …

Beta-Blockers In Cardiovascular Therapy: A Review, Camelia C. Diaconu, Dragos R. Marcu, Ovidiu G. Bratu, Ana Maria A. Stanescu, Gina Gheorghe, Andreea A. Hlescu, Dan L. Mischianu, Maria Manea

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The role of beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists in cardiovascular therapy has been the subject of various studies over time, these agents representing one of the oldest class of drugs used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Although beta-blockers have been excluded from guidelines as the first-line therapy in essential hypertension, they remain the first choice in patients with heart failure, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation. In this article, we review the major clinical evidence for the use of beta-blockers in cardiovascular diseases. Several trials have demonstrated that beta-blockers reduce mortality in patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction. …

A Community-Based Survey To Assess Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs And Practices Regarding Herpes Zoster In An Urban Setting, Nour A. Baalbaki, Joseph P. Fava, Melanie Ng, Ezinwanne Okorafor, Asad Nawaz, Wesley Chiu, Abdulbaset Salim, Raymond Cha, Paul E. Kilgore

Department of Pharmacy Practice

Introduction: In the USA, nearly one in three people will experience herpes zoster (HZ) in their lifetime. Underserved communities may be at even higher risk due to several factors, including access to healthcare, education, and co-morbid conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate current knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices (KABP) relative to HZ and HZ vaccines in a large urban city.

Methods: A cross-sectional KABP survey was conducted via in-person interview among 381 participants aged ≥ 50 years in Detroit, MI, USA, from June to August 2018. Survey results were stratified into two groups [< 60 and ≥ 60 years of age (YO)] for comparison.

Results: Of the …

An Update On Gestational Diabetes, Jamie L. Amero, Jennifer L. Bauer, Sarah M. Webb, Ryan A. Fischer, Lindsey A. Hallman, Sandra L. Hrometz

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Gestational diabetes is a concern for a large number of pregnant women due to the potential for long-term complications for both the mother and the fetus. With the increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the general public, the number of pregnant women with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus has also increased. In order to adequately educate their patients, it is important for pharmacists to be aware of the general practices of treating gestational diabetes. This review will highlight recent updates to initial screening, the criteria for diagnosing gestational diabetes, and current management strategies.

Healthy People 2020: Identifying Roles For Pharmacists In Public Health, Ellen Hazelet, Aisha Oliver, Katherine Salay, Breanne Rizzo, Alison L. Huet, Natalie Dipietro

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Healthy People, sponsored by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, utilizes evidence-based medicine to create objectives addressing significant preventable health issues. The vision of Healthy People is to improve the quality and length of life free from preventable disease, disability, injury and death. Based on objectives outlined by Healthy People 2020 (HP 2020) pharmacists can play a role in public awareness, collaborate with other health care professionals and help achieve goals set forth by HP 2020. Based on the expertise and accessibility of the pharmacist, pharmacists can impact nine of the 13 new focus areas pf HP …

The Importance Of Early Diagnosis And Treatment Of Postpartum Depression, Sarah E. Drake, Alison L. Huet, Tana M. Peterman, Jamie L. Drees, Robert D. Raiff

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major depressive episode following childbirth that can have serious consequences affecting the family. Consequences range from marital problems and issues with child development to maternal suicide and infantcide. Depression in mothers can lead to cognitive and social impairment in the child as well as paternal postpartum depression in the father. Due to the severity of these problems, it is important to diagnose and treat mothers as soon as possible. There are several symptoms that are evident in mothers suffering from PPD that lead to diagnosis. Symptoms are similar to those of major depressive episodes, but …

A Background Of The Opioid Epidemic And Its Relationship To The Medicaid Expansion, Er Yearn Jang

Montview Journal of Research & Scholarship

This paper provides a background to the opioid epidemic in the United States. The opioid epidemic, a public health crisis, is perceived by the public to be caused by issues in the medical field. By providing a historical background to the epidemic, this study demonstrates that the beginnings of the opioid crisis were not only rooted in past issues within the healthcare field but in previous social misconceptions about opioids. This historical backdrop is proceeded by an examination of opioid pharmacology, which discusses what opioids are, what is currently known about opioid addiction and reviews the presently used treatments for …

Applying Contemporary Management Principles To Implementing And Evaluating Value-Added Pharmacist Services., Shane P. Desselle, Leticia R Moczygemba, Antoinette B Coe, Karl Hess, David P Zgarrick

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Pharmacy

Value-added pharmacy services encompass traditional and emerging services provided by pharmacists to individual and entire populations of persons increasingly under the auspices of a public health mandate. The success of value-added pharmacy services is enhanced when they are carried out and assessed using appropriate theory-based paradigms. Many of the more important management theories for pharmacy services consider the "servicescape" of these services recognizing the uniqueness of each patient and service encounter that vary based upon health needs and myriad other factors. In addition, implementation science principles help ensure the financial viability and sustainability of these services. This commentary reviews some …

Marketing Channel Effectiveness Of New Medications/Medical Technology, Hadley Mccormick

Celebration of Learning

This research project will study what marketing platforms/channels are most effective in the dissemination of new medical product news. Many people like myself have an illness/disease that requires daily medication, or require the daily use of a medical device. Due to the increasing influence of Direct to Consumer advertising of pharmaceuticals and the constant development of new medications and devices, patients may now more often go to the doctor with perceptions of what they should do to manage their illness/disease. This study aims to look at how the developers of these medications/medical devices promote their products currently and how certain …