Pharmacist’s Letter: May 2017; Vol: 33, No. 5
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 longer, use it as a resource to refresh your pharmacy knowledge regularly!
Topic of the month: Vaccines abbreviations are leading to errors!
Generic vaccine names can be a mouthful. It's easier to say or type "Tdap" than "tetanus, diphtheria”. However the use of shortcuts can result in patients getting the wrong vaccine and may result in adverse outcomes. Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) could have been mistakenly given instead of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, as their short form appears similar.
Learn how to prevent this by reading this Pharmacist’s Letter Feature on Vaccination.
Clinical updates:
- Lipid management with PCSK 9 inhibitors
Have you heard of PCSK 9 inhibitors? They are injectable medications that can lower LDL by up to 60%, but what does this reduction translate to in terms of cardiovascular outcomes? Find out more about when to use PCSK 9 inhibitors and their cardiovascular effects in PL VOICES.
- When should I use prophylactic antibiotics?
Some dental procedures can cause transient increases in bacteria in the blood, but does this increase the risk of prosthetic joint infections? The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Dental Assn are now giving guidance to clarify the rare situations when antibiotic prophylaxis might be appropriate. Get the latest update on antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures.
Frequently asked questions at the community pharmacy:
- Does Fish Oil really help to reduce the chance of getting a heart attack?
Omega 3 in Fish Oil has long been thought to be a supplement that aids in heart health. Is this true and does it improve cardiovascular outcomes? Hear more in PL VOICES and refer to the detailed chart on common questions regarding Omega 3.
- Is this antibiotic safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Do you know what antibiotics a pregnant mother can take or whether an antibiotic is secreted in the breast milk? Look no further, check out Pharmacist’s Letter detailed reference on Antibiotics in Pregnancy and Lactation.
