Penicillin allergies linked to longer hospital stays

A penicillin "allergy" label adversely affects the quantity and quality of healthcare in hospitalized patients, according to a study in the March issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The penicillin allergy label is the most common drug "allergy" listed in medical records during hospital admissions. » More

FDA changes Doribax labels due to death risks

Because the antibacterial drug Doribax (doripenem) has an increased risk of death and lower clinical cure rates than other drugs for pneumonia, FDA approved a new label for the medication. » More

Exenatide ER pen approved for diabetes

Bringing a new tool to the arsenal of medications to treat type 2 diabetes, FDA recently approved the only once-weekly injectable pen for adults with type 2 diabetes—exenatide extended-release for injectable suspension (AstraZeneca, Bydureon Pen). » More

Tech integration needed as drugmakers economize

As pharmaceutical manufacturers and other life sciences companies make budget cutbacks, they are looking to integrate more technologies such as electronic medical records. » More

Continuing Education

New CPE: MTM essentials for management of CAD and PAD

This month's article is the second in a new year-long CPE series, Medication Therapy Management Considerations for Adult Patients with Cardiovascular Disease.

From February 2014 through January 2015, pharmacists can earn up to 24 hours of CPE credit with 12 monthly knowledge-based activities from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy and Drug Topics.

This month, the professional development activity is “MTM essentials for management of CAD and PAD,” a knowledge-based activity worth up to 2 credits.

The goal of this activity is to review therapeutic strategies pharmacists can utilize to improve patient care in the management of coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease.

To read and print the article with TEST QUESTIONS, click here.To proceed to the online exams and earn up to 2 CPE credits, click here to log in.

Announcement: Welcome to the new user registration process. This new process requires all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to provide or update their NABP e-Profile ID in order to electronically keep track of CPE credits from ACPE-accredited providers. If you have not done so, you can obtain your NABP e-Profile ID now at www.MyCPEmonitor.net. This profile will enable you to have one login for all the NABP programs and services you will need throughout your career.

Check these out, too

• E-cigarettes linked to teen tobacco use

• ISMP wants action on dabigatran risks

• Painkillers missing from CVS stores

• Joining the ACO team

Voices

Anticoagulation Update