We know it’s been a while since we first dipped our toes into the world of pharmacogenomics, but it’s time to take off the Crocs and dive right on in. In Part 1, we gave you the appetizer course of this fascinating side of pharmacy, and now we’re ready to serve some meat and potatoes. Come learn the ins and outs of how genetics influence warfarin dosing, statin use, and anesthetic choice.
Read MoreYour patient has just had a breathing tube inserted down their throat, and now the countdown begins… when does the initial sedation wear off? How do you keep them from awakening and feeling that horridness!? Don’t get caught trying to figure this out on the fly. Let tl;dr teach you the need to know info on how to manage post-RSI sedation and analgesia so you have a plan already in place when faced with intubation.
Read MoreHave you seen your preceptors or colleagues verifying long (scary) order sets for the Labor & Delivery unit? There’s terbutaline, magnesium, labetalol, oxytocin, and the list goes on. You’ve probably never seen a lot of these meds on any other rotations, and yet, your preceptors seem to know what they’re doing. Where did they get this obstetric knowledge? And how can you get in on the deal?? Well, it’s certainly not everything, but start here with us!
Read MoreIn our last post, we covered all the pieces that go into preparing for and executing a stem cell transplant. It was a LOT, and we’re hoping you came away with an appreciation for just how complex these procedures are. This week, we’re going to go through all things post-transplant. Can’t leave our patients hanging, now can we!? What supportive measures do they require for the transplant to stick and be a success? Check us out for these answers and more!
Read MoreStem cells frequently make headlines for controversial sourcing issues (think embryonic stem cell research and the when-does-human-life-begin debate). But there are other stem cells that, while less famous - or infamous, are significantly capable of changing and saving lives. It is these stem cells that our post today focuses on, and we hope that you’ll come away with a better understanding of the complex procedures that constitute stem cell transplants.
Read MoreCue the deep voice. “You have one hourrrr. Now, GOOO!” Sounds like a movie, doesn’t it? Like the insane mob boss setting an ultimatum for the poor down-on-his-luck protagonist, who’s just trying to save his city from impending doom… Except it’s not a mob boss in this case. Instead, it’s the Society of Critical Care Medicine directing the health care team on how to save the patient from impending septic shock doom. Get moving so you know how to save your city…errr…patient!
Read MoreIt’s not too often that calcium gets to be the star electrolyte of the show, but in the case of secondary hyperparathyroidism, it is all about that bass…ermmm…calcium. If you’re wondering what the amount of sunshine in your life has to do with having enough calcium in your blood, then it’s time to brush up on parathyroid hormone. Come with tl;dr as we refresh your memory on an important homeostatic mechanism!
Read MoreIs it a duck or a rabbit? Is it a benefit-generating medication or a life-threatening drug? Porque no los dos! After reading oodles of journal articles about benefits of medications, it is sometimes easy to lose sight of the fact that just about every drug in those studies has another side…a dark side. Dose matters, which is why it’s important for pharmacists to be at the table. And when things go wrong, it’s up to us to know how to support patients through toxic situations.
Read MoreStatus epilepticus!!! No, it’s not a spell from Harry Potter (although it would’ve made a darn good one). It’s actually a neurological emergency that requires some hefty pharmacotherapy for management. Which is where YOU come in. Let tl;dr give you the nuts and bolts of how to manage this condition and preserve functionality for our patients.
Read MoreIf you wanna come and take a ride with me, learn why meds are so pricey, Oh! Hey! Must be the money! (Come on, you know you sang it in your head, don’t lie. Work with me here.) At a time when it seems like the prices of medications are skyrocketing and every other news story is about how Congress is going to reform the system, we pharmacists need to have at least a basic understanding of the financial metrics that make up the issue. Enter tl;dr to provide this info for you!
Read MoreFor those of you interested in residency, did you know that there’s life outside of The Match? (I know…GASP!) That’s right, it’s not 100% all about ASHP’s programs anymore. So if you’re wondering what this option is and how to successfully position yourself for it, you should definitely take a few minutes to read this post. It is seriously chock FULL of advice on how to win at your professional life goals (residency or not, honestly).
Read MoreToday, we’re putting that oh-so-often forgotten organ under a magnifying glass. That’s right, the liver is finally getting some love again here on tl;dr! We’re combining one of our favorite topics - diabetes - with one that we really NEED to make a favorite - fatty liver disease. If you’re wondering why it’s so imperative that we love a topic that most of us don’t really know that much about, then this post is definitely for you.
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