Heart Failure (HF) strikes fear in the eyes of most pharmacy students; I think mainly because there are so many drugs and so many moving parts to this. Let’s break it down to basics.
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You’ve heard the saying that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Well, how is it possible that too much of an anti-emetic can be a pro-emetic, leading to cyclic vomiting? This is exactly the case in cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, cases of which are on the rise as legal access to marijuana and related products increases in the US. Let tl;dr give you the rundown on what to look for and how to help patients presenting with this uncomfortable side effect of marijuana use.
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There was a recent update in the STI Guidelines (the first update in 6 years). Get yourself up to speed with the latest recommendations.
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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.
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Your 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.
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Have 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!
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In 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!
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Stem 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.
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Cue 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!
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It’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!
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Is 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.
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Status 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.
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