Keeping up to date with the latest happening in pharmacy practice is important for all PSS members, and with that in mind, the PSS Hospital Chapter proudly presents “What’s New in PL”. This monthly brief update is designed to highlight topics that are published on a reputable resource “The Pharmacist Letter”, which may be of interest to pharmacists. The update is relevant to all pharmacists with sub topics in the areas of clinical and community practice.

Please log on to the PSS website (www.pss.org.sg) to log in and start reading!

Topic of the month:

Vitamin D Supplementation: Who Needs it and How much to Give?

As research increases our understanding of the relationship between vitamin D and health, questions arise about adequate, optimal, and excessive vitamin D intake. There is even debate about whether vitamin D decreases fractures or has other benefits. Get your burning questions about Vitamin D supplementation answered in this interesting PL article.

PL Chart Available: Vitamin D in adults and children

Clinical Updates:

1.     Managing depression holistically: Find out more about identifying the groups which are at risk of depression and the treatment options. Catch the PL discussion on how to manage depression.

2.     Do you know which CNS drugs that should not be stopped “cold turkey”? Check out this PL article on Tapering Regimens to prevent Withdrawal Symptoms: Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Benzodiazepines, Beta Blockers and more. PL Chart Available: Common oral medications that may need tapering

3.     Which anticoagulant to use to TREAT venous thromboembolism (VTE)? New guidelines give preference to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as Xarelto (rivaroxaban). But don't assume that DOACs are the best choice for everyone. Check out detailed PL summary on appropriate use of oral anticoagulants.

Commonly asked questions in the community pharmacy:

1.     Does this medication/supplement interact with my usual cholesterol medication?

Revisit clinically significant statins drug interactions: PL Chart Available: Clinically Significant Statin Interactions

2.     Help! What is this white patch in my mouth?

Oral thrush is more common in people who use steroids or broad-spectrum antibiotics, wear dentures, or have diabetes. Refresh your memory on the treatment of candida infections with this PL Chart: Candidiasis Treatment Guidelines

3.     Which needle should I use for my Insulin injection?

Help your patients choose the right needle by reading this PL article. PL Chart Available: Choosing the correct needle size