Pharmacist’s Letter: December 2016; Vol: 32, No. 12
Hello there! The Pharmacist’s Letter is a nifty resource for succinct and informative updates on new drugs, disease states management, complementary medications etc. It is also recognized by Singapore Pharmacy Council as an online CPE point provider. Wait no further, use it as a resource to refresh your pharmacy knowledge regularly!
Topic of the month: Using statins for your patients with diabetes
In recent years, there is an increasing focus on identifying diabetics who are candidates for statins. Although guidelines recommend eligible diabetic patients take statins to reduce cardiovascular risk, about half are not on statins and those on statins are not on optimal doses. To make a recommendation for statin, one needs to consider risk factors such as age group, hypertension or smoking. Optimization of the statin dosage is also important. Take a look at the CHART: Characteristics of the various statins for guidance on the use of the various statins!
Clinical updates:
- New zoster vaccine- Shingrix®
Shingrix® is a new inactivated zoster vaccine that has an adjuvant to boost immune response. It seems to work better than Zostavax® (live vaccine) to prevent shingles. While Shingrix® is still pending approval, patients may ask if they should wait to get the new vaccine. Most eligible people aged 60 and above should be advised to get Zostavax® and not wait for Shingrix® because shingles pain can be severe and last for months. Refer to Shingles Vaccine: FAQs to better answer your patients’ queries.
- Treating acute otitis media in children
Antibiotic benefits do not always outweigh the risks of diarrhoea, vomiting, or rash. When is ‘watchful waiting’ appropriate? What is the choice and duration of antibiotics to be given? Listen to PL VOICES to hear discussions about the best practices for managing acute otitis media with experts. Also check out more on antibiotic duration in the chart, Acute Otitis Media: FAQS.
Frequently asked questions at the community pharmacy:
- Turmeric in supplements, foods, and drinks. How beneficial is it?
The main active component of turmeric is curcumin, which seems to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. What conditions can turmeric be used for? What is the evidence regarding the use of turmeric in terms of efficacy and safety? Read this PL article to find out more.
- Breastfeeding woes
One in three moms who starts breastfeeding will stop within 2 weeks even though the benefits of breastfeeding are well-established. How do we advise our patients to manage their breastfeeding complications? Refer to the chart Common Breastfeeding Complications to find out more.
