Insights Newsletter March 2024: Emerging Trends for Clinical Leadership

This month’s Insights Newsletter covers the latest practice-changing pharmacy updates, emerging trends, and popular natural medicine topics and resources. 

Be Ready to Discuss Measles and Promote Immunization

Recent measles outbreaks are highlighting the need for identifying it quickly and ensuring patients are getting vaccinated against measles since nine out of 10 nonimmune patients will get measles after exposure. Our Letter articles review symptoms of measles and what to do if you suspect one of your patients has measles. We also review options for post-exposure prophylaxis and emphasize when to give a measles-containing vaccine, such as MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) or MMRV (measles/mumps/rubella/varicella). We review who should not get a measles-containing vaccine, and our resource, Vaccine Adherence: Addressing Myths and Hesitancy, provides a checklist to support your discussions and tackle barriers. Read More

Community Topic: Individualize Treatment for Diabetes-Related Foot Infections   

Foot infections in patients with diabetes need quick attention to avoid complications (amputation, etc). Our Letter articles review empiric treatment of diabetes-related foot infections based on severity. In addition, we guide clinicians on when to cover for MRSA or Pseudomonas and suggest options in these scenarios. Our resources, Skin and Soft Tissue Infections, dives into treatment options, therapy duration, and when to switch from IV to oral therapy. We also highlight our resource, Managing Beta-Lactam Allergies, for help sifting through options for managing patients reporting a penicillin allergy. Read More

Hospital Topic: Stay Alert for Sugammadex Requests in Non-Perioperative Areas

There is increased use of sugammadex in non-surgical areas. However, sugammadex can have adverse effects and is costly. Our Letter articles identify scenarios when using sugammadex to reverse rocuronium or vecuronium outside of perioperative areas may be beneficial. We address potential safety issues and suggestions for monitoring, as well as strategies for dosing and storage. Read More

The Latest on Apple Cider Vinegar

There has been interest in using Apple Cider Vinegar to improve blood sugar levels and for dental health. Our NatMed article discusses clinical trial evidence of the effects of apple cider vinegar on diabetes. Evidence was found to be conflicting. We also update providers on apple cider vinegar use for dental health. There is no compelling evidence supporting this use. Our recently updated monograph is linked within the article. Read More

Other Covered Topics

Listen to our free webinar on practical strategies for managing a successful pharmacy technician training program, find out how Bula can help you stay in compliance with the 500+ new pharmacy laws that have passed so far during the 2024 legislative session, and listen to the latest Medication Talk podcast, Meds for Obesity and Weight Loss. Read More