Effect on medication adherence of applying a specialty pharmacy care model to nonspecialty medications: A quasi-experimental cohort study.

Purpose: Medication nonadherence is a multifactorial healthcare problem that contributes to increased healthcare costs and morbidity. To improve medication adherence, specialty pharmacies offer services not typically provided by retail pharmacies such as benefits investigation, financial assistance, medication synchronization, and proactive refill reminders. This study assessed the impact of the specialty pharmacy care model on medication adherence for patients on nonspecialty medications.

Impact of a subcutaneous casirivimab and imdevimab clinic in outpatients with symptomatic COVID-19: A single-center, propensity-matched cohort study.

Purpose: To evaluate the success of a clinic for subcutaneous administration of casirivmab and imdevimab (REGEN-COV; Regeneron) for treatment of patients with symptomatic mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in terms of preventing disease progression and healthcare utilization.

Methods: This retrospective single-center, propensity-matched cohort study examined healthcare utilization outcomes for patients who received subcutaneous casirivimab and imdevimab at a pharmacist-led clinic of an academic health system. Eligible patients were treated between August 1, 2021, and January 5, 2022, and were at high risk for COVID-19 disease progression.

The Financial Effect of Medicare Coverage Design and Safety Net Options for Cancer Care.

Background: National spending on specialty medications accounted for approximately $193 billion in 2016. The coverage design for Medicare Parts B and D has shifted medication costs to patients, which may prohibit patients from starting or maintaining therapy due to affordability. As a result, patients have enrolled in safety net financial options, such as patient assistance and foundation programs.

Pharmacy residents' perception of preceptors as role models.

Purpose: Pharmacy residents' perception of preceptors as role models was evaluated.

Methods: A 55-item survey instrument was developed, pilot tested, and distributed to pharmacy residents in Kentucky. Respondents used a 5-point Likert scale to rate the importance of selected preceptor characteristics in current and ideal preceptors.

Severe adverse drug reaction following Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine) administration for copperhead snakebite.

Objective: To present the case of a severe anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction to Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine) in a patient bitten by a copperhead snake.

Case Summary: A 68-year-old man presented with progressive envenomation after receiving a copperhead snakebite on each hand. Crotalinae Fab antivenom was administered.