Pharmacist’s Letter: June 2017; Vol: 33, No. 6
Hello! Look nowhere for CPE points! Pharmacist’s Letter readings are informative and yet not too lengthy. There are updates on various topics every month and these readings are recognised by Singapore Pharmacy Council for online CPE points. Let this be your monthly update of pharmacy knowledge and discover that this process can be enjoyable with materials done up by pharmacists in a highly simplified, structured and concise manner!
Topic of the month: Reining in inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) make up more than half of the gastrointestinal drug market in America yet only one-third of the PPI use is appropriate. The same issue is also seen in Singapore and has led to the PPI de-prescribing initiative in 2016. Take a look at the CHART to find out more about the appropriate use and safety concerns of PPI and play your part in reining in inappropriate use of PPI.
Clinical updates:
- Fibromyalgia – what is it and how to treat it?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome that is chiefly characterized by aches and stiffness in the muscles, joints and soft tissues. It mostly affects women aged 35 to 55 and the symptoms may be triggered by emotional or physical stress. Listen to the PL voices and read the CHART: Management of Fibromyalgia to learn more about the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia.
- Management of dementia behaviours
Psychological symptoms and inappropriate behaviours such as agitation, wandering, aggression, and psychosis are common in patients with dementia. These symptoms may be due to dementia itself, or other causes such as depression, constipation and dehydration. Check out the ALGORITHM: Pharmacotherapy of Dementia Behaviours to get some tips on the management of such symptoms and behaviours.
Frequently asked questions at the community pharmacy:
- How to prevent menstrual migraine?
Menstrual migraine usually does not have an aura and may be harder to treat than other migraines. Hence, prophylactic therapy is highly recommended for women who do not respond to abortive therapy or have frequent or prolonged attacks. Find out how to select appropriate prophylactic therapy for your patients by looking at the CHART: Prophylaxis of Menstrual Migraines.
- Analgesics in pregnancy and lactation
Is paracetamol the only analgesic for pregnant and lactating women? Can opioids be used? If so, which opioid is the preferred one and when can it be used?Get these questions answered by looking at the CHART: Analgesics in Pregnancy and Lactation.
