Implementation of a formulary management process.

Purpose: The application of lean methodology in an initiative to redesign the formulary maintenance process at an academic medical center is described.

Summary: Maintaining a hospital formulary requires clear communication and coordination among multiple members of the pharmacy department. Using principles of lean methodology, pharmacy department personnel within a multihospital health system launched a multifaceted initiative to optimize formulary management systemwide.

Formulation of buprenorphine for sublingual use in neonates.

Objectives: The only medication used sublingually in the neonate is buprenorphine for the treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Compared with morphine, buprenorphine reduces the length of treatment and length of hospitalization in neonates treated for NAS. The objective of this study was to characterize the stability of ethanolic buprenorphine for sublingual administration.

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT): refining our understanding of MHT research, optimally applying results, and considering the future of MHT.

The perceptions of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) have evolved considerably. Observational studies suggested that MHT could relieve vasomotor symptoms and prevent coronary heart disease (CHD). However, randomized controlled trials later showed no reduction in CHD and an increased risk of stroke.