Retrospective evaluation of sodium acetate use for urine alkalinization in patients receiving high dose methotrexate.

Purpose: Methotrexate is an antifolate agent used in treatment of several malignancies. Many toxicities accompany methotrexate that are minimized with urine alkalinization. Parenteral sodium bicarbonate is the historical standard alkalinizing agent, but use has been limited by intermittent shortages.

The Impact of Health Literacy Level on Inhaler Technique in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Inhaled medications are recommended as first-line treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and can reduce exacerbations and hospitalizations. Low health literacy is associated with poor inhaler technique.

Objective: This study examined whether handouts written specifically for patients with low health literacy are more effective in showing patients how to use their medications when compared to standard education materials.