Impact of Pharmacist Education on Inhaler Technique and Adherence in an Outpatient Clinic.

To assess the impact that pharmacist education has on proper inhaler technique and adherence in a teaching clinic. This was prospective, non-randomized, pre-test/post-test study. Patients were 18 years or older, had a diagnosis of asthma or COPD, and prescribed at least 1 inhaled medication.

Urine Drug Test Interpretation: An Educational Program's Impact on Resident Knowledge and Comfort Level.

Introduction: Following the release of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines in 2016, institutions are encouraged to have controlled substance agreements that require the use of drug screens for appropriate opioid prescribing. Correct evaluation of urine drug tests (UDTs) is essential for appropriate chronic prescribing of controlled substances. Anticipating the increase in use of these tests, our institution developed and implemented an educational program to improve knowledge of and comfort level with UDT interpretation.

Vildagliptin: a novel oral therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Purpose: The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, drug interactions, and role in therapy of vildagliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus were reviewed.

Summary: Vildagliptin is an agent in a new class of medications called dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4) inhibitors. By inhibiting DPP4, vildagliptin causes an increase in glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an intestinal hormone that aids in glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion.