Chronic opioid use increases after bariatric surgery

Chronic use of opioids among obese patients prior to bariatric surgery continues after bariatric surgery, and the dose has been shown to be greater postoperatively than preoperatively, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. » Full article

Consequences of skipping medication refill

Patients who skip filling an antibiotic prescription after hospital discharge because of high out-of-pocket costs are at increased risk of rehospitalization and cost the healthcare system substantially more in the long term, according to a study published in the October issue of the American Journal of Managed Care.
» Full article

FDA approves riociguat to treat 2 forms of pulmonary hypertension

FDA approved riociguat (Adempas, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals) tablets for the treatment of adults with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) after surgical treatment or inoperable CTEPH and adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension. » Full article

FDA approves lipid injectable emulsion

Under a priority review to help alleviate a drug shortage, FDA has approved lipid injectable emulsion, USP (Clinolipid, Baxter Healthcare) for intravenous feeding (parenteral nutrition) in adult patients, providing a source of calories and essential fatty acids for adult patients who are unable to eat or drink. » Full article

(PODCAST) Oral oncolytics Part 2: Assessing the value of newer agents versus current standards of care as part of P&T processes

Listen to pharmacists from Howard University College of Pharmacy in Washington, D.C., compare newer oral chemotherapies to current intravenous chemotherapy. » Full article

• Some opioids linked to certain birth defects

• For children, skipped medications often lead to ED visits

• KP's large-scale hypertension program

• Keep an ample vaccine supply

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Continuing Education

Osteoporosis Care: Part 2 available now

Drug Topics offers the second part of a two-part CPE series, "MTM considerations in osteoporosis care." Earn up to 2 credits by completing this activity. To read and print the October 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.