A call to action: Maximizing the pharmacy technician role through certifications.

The continued advancement of pharmacy practice demands highly skilled and knowledgeable pharmacy technicians to enhance the services provided. As technician responsibilities continue to evolve to include more advanced roles, the need for standardized technician training and certification is essential to advance the profession of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy practice. With only 45% of states requiring technician certification, great variation exists in the education and training competencies required for technicians practicing in the health system setting.

Cefotetan-Induced Hemolytic Anemia: Case Series and Review.

Purpose: To raise awareness of cefotetan-induced hemolytic anemia, a known rare but serious side effect that occurred in 5 patients at our medical center.

Summary: Five cases of cefotetan-induced hemolytic anemia, which presented over the period of a single year at our center, are described. In each case, hemolytic anemia was confirmed by testing for the presence of anti-cefotetan antibodies.

Role of intravenous immune globulin in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and Clostridium difficile infection.

Purpose: The use of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) in the management of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is reviewed.

Summary: IVIG has a wide range of uses in clinical practice, including STSS and CDI. It is an attractive option for these two infections because both infections are toxin mediated, and IVIG may contain antibodies that neutralize these toxins.

Pharmacotherapy for leishmaniasis in the United States: focus on miltefosine.

Leishmaniasis is a protozoan infection native to various countries, including those in South America and Southeast Asia. Although the incidence of leishmaniasis is low in the United States, it is an important cause of infection in individuals traveling to endemic areas. Various treatment modalities are available, depending on their availability in the geographic region.

Turoctocog alfa for the treatment of hemophilia a.

Hemophilia A (HA) represents one of the most common genetic bleeding disorders worldwide and results from a deficiency in factor VIII (FVIII). The mainstay of treatment for HA is repletion of FVIII. Numerous plasma-derived and recombinant factor concentrates are available, each with clinical advantages and disadvantages.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: a refresher on causes and possible prevention with probiotics--continuing education article.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) describes any unexplained diarrhea associated with the use of an antibiotic. AAD also includes infection caused by Clostridium difficile, however this organism only accounts for a small percentage of diarrhea caused by antibiotics. AAD can be caused by multiple other organisms including C perfringens, S aureus, and Candida.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in the pediatric population: a review of current literature.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a rare and serious reaction to unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparins in children. Quick recognition, discontinuation of heparin, and subsequent treatment with an alternative anticoagulant are essential steps to prevent serious complications such as thrombus and limb amputation. The purpose of this review is to describe the clinical features of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in children and to summarize the data available for its management.