Federal judge blocks Massachusetts' Zohydro ban

A federal judge has blocked Massachusetts’ attempt to ban the controversial new painkiller Zohydro ER, which law enforcement officials, politicians, and some healthcare officials fear will dramatically increase opioid overdose deaths. » More

U.S. spending on medicines rebounded in 2013

In a surprising shift, total U.S. spending on medicines increased 3.2% on a nominal basis in 2013 after several years of declining spending, according to a new report. Total dollars spent on medications in the United States reached $329.2 billion last year, a rebound from a 1% decline in 2012. » More

Filling Rxs for controlled substances

Pharmacist Steve R. Ariens raised the ire of many Drug Topics readers with his instructions advising patients who have been denied fills how to file complaints against pharmacists. He attempts to clarify some of his points in this follow-up article.
» More

Hand-held auto-injector for opioid overdoses OK'd

FDA has approved naloxone hydrochloride injection (Evzio, Kale) for emergency treatment when opioid overdose is known or suspected because of respiratory and/or central nervous system depression. » More

Continuing Education

MTM essentials for hypertension management – Part 1: Nonpharmacologic therapy and geriatric considerations

This month’s article is the third 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 goal of this month’s activity is to review nonpharmacologic treatment strategies relevant to medication therapy management of hypertension and introduce drug therapy considerations in geriatric patients with hypertension.

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

• Pharmacists win Medicaid reimbursement fight

• CVS pays millions to settle fraud charges

• Is there age bias in pharmacy?

• Did Walgreens get special treatment?

Voices

Anticoagulation Update