Extended-release hydrocodone: the devil in disguise or just misunderstood?

Opioid abuse in the United States increased significantly over the past decade, leading to opioid-related deaths. Approval of Zohydro ER, a product that lacks an abuse-deterrent formulation, has provoked media controversy and aggressive legislative action from multiple stakeholders. Only the American Academy of Pain Management has released a position statement on this medication, and individual opinion varies.

Advanced screencasting with embedded assessments in pathophysiology and therapeutics course modules.

Objective: To implement and assess the effectiveness of a hybrid learning model using advanced screencasting with embedded assessments in pathophysiology and therapeutics modules.

Design: Two pathophysiology and therapeutics course modules on viral hepatitis and the clinical pharmacokinetics of aminoglycosides were chosen for study. The preclass portion of the hybrid model involved student completion of interactive e-lectures that were created with the use of advanced screencasting and included embedded assessments.

Tasimelteon (Hetlioz™): A New Melatonin Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder.

In January 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration approved tasimelteon (Hetlioz™), a melatonin-receptor agonist for the treatment of non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder. This article provides an overview of the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic properties, as well as the clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of tasimelteon. Relevant information was identified through a comprehensive literature search of several databases using the key words tasimelteon, Non-24-hour Sleep-Wake disorder, Non-24, and melatonin.

Preferential Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors as a Nonhormonal Method of Emergency Contraception: A Look at the Evidence.

Objective: To review the literature surrounding the use of preferential cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors as an alternative form of emergency contraception.

Data Sources: MEDLINE (1950 to February 2014) was searched using the key words cyclooxygenase or COX-2 combined with contraception, emergency contraception, or ovulation. Results were limited to randomized control trials, controlled clinical trials, and clinical trials.

Living with gestational diabetes in a rural community.

Purpose: To explore the lived experiences of women with a recent history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who live in rural communities.

Study Design And Methods: A phenomenological study exploring the lived experiences of 10 women aged 25 to 49 years with a history of GDM in the last 5 years. Data were collected through two semistructured short interviews that were conducted in person or by telephone.

Bupivacaine liposomal versus bupivacaine: comparative review.

Bupivacaine liposomal injection was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a local anesthetic for use in management of postsurgical pain in adults. When compared to placebo, bupivacaine liposomal decreases postoperative pain and opioid use. This review examines the efficacy of bupivacaine liposomal when compared to conventional bupivacaine ± epinephrine using published and unpublished data provided to the FDA by the manufacturer.

A transgender health care panel discussion in a required diversity course.

Objectives: To examine the impact of a panel discussion on transgender health care on first-year (P1) pharmacy students' knowledge and understanding of transgender experiences in an Introduction to Diversity course.

Design: The panel consisted of both transgender males and females. After panelists shared their healthcare experiences, students asked them questions in a moderated setting.

Once-weekly exenatide as adjunct treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus in patients receiving continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy.

Objective: The use of once-weekly exenatide in type 2 diabetes mellitus is well supported, but little is known about its effectiveness in type 1 diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of once-weekly exenatide on glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes when added to basal-bolus insulin therapy.

Methods: For this retrospective study, patients with type 1 diabetes, aged 18 years and older, receiving continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, using a continuous glucose monitoring device or regularly measuring blood glucose levels and receiving 2 mg of exenatide once weekly for at least 3 months were included.

Near-infrared spectroscopic analysis of the breaking force of extended-release matrix tablets prepared by roller-compaction: influence of plasticizer levels and sintering temperature.

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for the determination of the influence of sintering temperature and plasticizer levels on the breaking force of extended-release matrix tablets prepared via roller-compaction. Six formulations using theophylline as a model drug, Eudragit® RL PO or Eudragit® RS PO as a matrix former and three levels of TEC (triethyl citrate) as a plasticizer were prepared. The powder blend was roller compacted using a fixed roll-gap of 1.

Analysis of compounded pharmaceutical products to teach the importance of quality in an applied pharmaceutics laboratory course.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a product-analysis laboratory exercise in teaching students the importance of quality in pharmaceutical compounding.

Design: Second-year pharmacy students (N=77) participated in a pharmaceutical compounding laboratory exercise and subsequently analyzed their final product using ultraviolet (UV) spectrometry.

Assessment: Reflection, survey instruments, and quiz questions were used to measure how well students understood the importance of quality in their compounded products.

Education in pediatrics in US colleges and schools of pharmacy.

Objective: To determine the extent to which pediatrics is taught at US doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) programs and to characterize what is being taught and how.

Methods: A 40-question online survey instrument was sent to accredited and candidate-status US PharmD programs.

Results: Of 86 participating programs (67.

A Review of Current Evidence of Olmesartan Medoxomil Mimicking Symptoms of Celiac Disease.

Objective:To review the evidence of an association between olmesartan medoxomil and symptoms mimicking celiac disease.Data Sources:Literature was searched in PubMed (1965-November 2013) using the key words or MeSH terms olmesartan, enteropathy, celiac disease, sprue, and diarrhea. References from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Dipiro's Pharmacotherapy eighth edition textbook were also reviewed.

Pediatric skin integrity practice guideline for institutional use: a quality improvement project.

Superior skin care is a nurse-sensitive outcome measure (Young, T., & Clark, M. (2009).

Stability of levetiracetam oral solution repackaged in oral plastic syringes.

Purpose: The long-term stability of levetiracetam solution in oral syringes was investigated in order to define a suitable beyond-use date and demonstrate the feasibility of storing prepared syringes for extended periods as an alternative to commercial levetiracetam unit dose cups.

Methods: Levetiracetam oral solution (100 mg/mL) was drawn into 1- and 10-mL amber polypropylene oral syringes. Triplicate samples of the syringe preparations were stored at refrigeration (2-8 °C) or room temperature (20-25 °C) and evaluated at monthly intervals for up to six months.

Stability of diluted adenosine solutions in polyolefin infusion bags.

Background: Intravenous or intracoronary adenosine is used in the cardiac catherization lab to achieve maximal coronary blood flow and determine fractional flow reserve.

Objective: To determine the stability of adenosine 10 and 50 µg/mL in either 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection in polyolefin infusion bags stored at 2 temperatures, refrigeration (2°C-8°C) or controlled room temperature (20°C-25°C).

Metyrapone for Long-Term Medical Management of Cushing's Syndrome.

Cushing's syndrome is characterized by any cause of excess cortisol in the blood and produces many physiologic consequences. Left untreated, Cushing's is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Seventy percent of endogenous cases of Cushing's syndrome are secondary to a pituitary tumor; because of this, the primary mode of management is surgical resection of the tumor.

Levomilnacipran (Fetzima): A New Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder.

In July 2013, the US Food and Drug Administration approved levomilnacipran extended release (ER; Fetzima), a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder. Levomilnacipran is an active enantiomer of the racemic drug milnacipran that is currently approved in the United States for the treatment of fibromyalgia. This article provides an overview of the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic properties, clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of levomilnacipran ER.

The affordable care ACT on loyalty programs for federal beneficiaries.

Objective: To discuss changes in the law that allow community pharmacy loyalty programs to include and offer incentives to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

Summary: The retailer rewards exception of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and its change to the definition of remuneration in the civil monetary penalties of the Anti-Kickback Statute now allow incentives to be earned on federal benefit tied prescription out-of-pocket costs. The criteria required to design a compliant loyalty program are discussed.

Icariin Augments Bone Formation and Reverses the Phenotypes of Osteoprotegerin-Deficient Mice through the Activation of Wnt/ β -Catenin-BMP Signaling.

Icariin has been mostly reported to enhance bone fracture healing and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized animal model. As another novel animal model of osteoporosis, there is few publication about the effect of Icariin on osteoprotegerin-deficient mice. Therefore, the goal of this study is to find the effect on bone formation and underlying mechanisms of Icariin in osteoprotegerin (OPG) knockout (KO) mice.

A review of tuberculosis: Focus on bedaquiline.

Purpose: The history and prevalence of tuberculosis and the role of bedaquiline in multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis are reviewed.

Summary: Tuberculosis continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increasing rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis are a significant concern and pose serious implications for current and future treatment of the disease.

Inhaled aztreonam lysine: an evidence-based review.

Introduction: Chronic airway infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) is linked with progressive loss of pulmonary function and is the primary cause of mortality. Treatment regimens have generally focused on the use of chronic antibiotic therapy to target Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), a major pathogen associated with a decline in FEV1%. Specifically, inhaled antibiotic therapy provides high antibiotic sputum concentrations and decreases bacterial burden.

Transition to an electronic professional nurse portfolio: part II.

Part I, published last month, described the background and purpose for a professional portfolio that showcases accomplishments supporting professional goals, scholarship, service, and competency in one's professional nursing practice. This column reviews the benefits, options, and issues to consider when developing a professional portfolio online.

Transition to an electronic professional nurse portfolio: part I.

This column describes the background and purpose for a professional portfolio that showcases accomplishments supporting professional goals, scholarship, service, and competency in one's professional nursing practice. Part II will review the benefits, options, and issues to consider when developing a professional portfolio online.

Stability of U-500 regular insulin in prefilled syringes.

Objective: To evaluate the stability of U-500 regular insulin in prefilled syringes stored under refrigeration for up to 28 days.

Methods: U-500 regular insulin was drawn up in 1 mL insulin syringes in a clean, nonsterile environment to emulate conditions of a patient's home. Samples were assayed using a stability-indicating reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method immediately after preparation (day 0) and after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days under refrigeration.