Primary prevention aspirin use in high-risk patients: A pharmacist intervention and comparison of risk stratification tools.

Objectives: The objectives of this project are 1) to describe aspirin use for primary prevention in an underserved, minority population; 2) to determine the impact of a pharmacist-led intervention on the prevalence of aspirin use for primary prevention; and 3) to compare aspirin indications based on Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score.

Methods: Men and women age 45-79 and 55-79 years, respectively, without ASCVD were screened for aspirin use. An FRS of 10% or greater and low risk for a serious bleed were considered indications for primary prevention aspirin on the basis of guideline-directed medical therapy recommendations.

Treatment of hypertension with chronotherapy: is it time of drug administration?

Objective: To review evidence for dosing antihypertensives at bedtime and possible cardiovascular risk reduction.

Data Sources: A PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled Trials database literature search (1990-September 2014) limited to human subjects was performed using the search terms hypertension, chronotherapy, ambulatory blood pressure, morning administration, evening administration, and antihypertensives. Additional references were identified from literature citations.

Patient considerations in the management of type 2 diabetes - critical appraisal of dapagliflozin.

Type 2 diabetes affects more than 350 million people worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing. Many patients with diabetes do not achieve and/or maintain glycemic targets, despite therapy implementation and escalation. Multiple therapeutic classes of agents are available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and the armamentarium has expanded significantly in the past decade.

Pharmacist membership in a medical group's diabetes health management program.

Purpose: An evaluation of the effectiveness of a program at achieving improved glycemic control, lipid levels, and adherence to preventive care measures in diabetes mellitus patients was conducted.

Summary: An interdisciplinary diabetes health management program (DHMP) was implemented, which included physicians, clinical pharmacists, registered nurses, and registered dieticians. The patients are seen by a clinical pharmacist with the option of individual or group visits with other members of the multidisciplinary team.