PHARMACOM LLC
A Consulting Company
July 2020
Use of Medication After Expiration Date
Patients may be tempted to use a medication after its expiration date. Many medications remain potent after the expiration date, according to FDA analysis of medications stored in federal stockpiles. However, this may not be true for medications stored in prescription vials in patients' homes. Possible declines in potency may be cause for concern for antiepileptics, contraceptives, and insulin. Pharmacists should reinforce the importance of following labeled expiration dates on these medications. Pharmacists should also remind patients to replace rescue medications such as epinephrine, naloxone, and nitroglycerin before the expiration date.
Vaccination During COVID-19 Pandemic
Providers are concerned about vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination rates have dropped in children, which raises concerns about outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Flu vaccines will be important in reducing the burden of respiratory disease during the upcoming flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published guidelines for vaccination during a pandemic. The guidelines are available at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pandemic-guidance/index.html.
Poisoning Reports Increase During COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is contributing to an increase in poisonings from cleaning products. There are reports of children ingesting hand sanitizers, which may contain over 60% ethanol and can cause alcohol poisoning. There are also reports of adults consuming household cleaning products and misusing disinfectants to sanitize food. Cleaning products should not be mixed together, and the products should be stored in their original containers. Medications, hand sanitizers, and cleaning products should be stored up, away, and out of sight, preferably on a high shelf or locked cabinet. Patients should be advised to keep the phone number for the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) on their phones.
Chlorthalidone Versus Hydrochlorothiazide for Hypertension
Chlorthalidone is often the thiazide diuretic of choice for first-line treatment of hypertension. A recent cohort study compared chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide when used as first-line therapy in patients with hypertension. Analysis of data from more than 730,000 patients found no difference in primary outcomes (heart attack, hospitalization for heart failure, and stroke) between the two diuretics. However, use of chlorthalidone was associated with a higher risk of adverse events (low blood potassium, other electrolyte disorders, and kidney problems). The author of the study suggests that a preference for chlorthalidone as the diuretic of choice may need to be re-evaluated.
July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
July is UV Safety Awareness Month
July 28 is World Hepatitis Day
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