Pre-empt aggression in prison and treat precipitating conditions
AbstractViolence significantly affects people in prison. While aggression may be exacerbated by environmental factors, violence may be reduced by early recognition of agitation, de-escalation techniques and non-pharmacological, behaviourally-based therapy. Pharmacological options may be required in rapid sedation protocols for highly agitated prisoners, but are also required to treat underlying serious illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. Pharmacological options may also help people with poor impulse control, but are not first-line options for personality disorders. Overall, the ...
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - May 5, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Correction to: Sterility testing using a closed system transfer device in oncology medication compounding: a novel method for testing partially used vials
A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-021-00837-y (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - May 3, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Act quickly to manage bleeding in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants
AbstractDirect oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly preferred anticoagulation options, with a lower risk of intracranial haemorrhage versus warfarin. Bleeding is, however, a predictable adverse event requiring urgent management. Specific DOAC reversal agents may be available, such as idarucizumab for the thrombin inhibitor dabigatran, and andexanet alfa for the factor Xa inhibitors apixaban, edoxaban (off-label) and rivaroxaban; but prothrombin complex concentrates are still often used in addition to supportive measures and haemostatic support. (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - April 27, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Clascoterone 1% cream in acne vulgaris: a profile of its use
AbstractClascoterone 1% cream (WINLEVI®) is an androgen receptor inhibitor approved for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients aged ≥ 12 years in the USA. It is believed to compete with androgens (specifically Dihydrotestosterone) in binding to androgen receptors, thereby inhibiting downstream signaling of acnegenic pathways. In clinical trials, application of clascoterone 1% cream twice daily for 12 weeks was effective an d generally well tolerated in acne vulgaris patients, with a tolerability profile similar to that of the vehicle. (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - April 24, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Asenapine transdermal delivery system (Secuado ® ) in schizophrenia: a profile of its use in the USA
AbstractAsenapine, an atypical antipsychotic indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia, was first available as a twice-daily sublingual tablet. However, there are some challenges associated with the use of sublingual asenapine. More recently, a comparable transdermal formulation of asenapine (Secuado®) has been approved in the USA as the first antipsychotic patch for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Asenapine transdermal delivery system (TDS) offers a simpler and more convenient dosage regimen and avoids adverse events related to sublingual administration, potentially leading to better adherence to treatment. ...
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - April 22, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Correction to: Triheptanoin in the management of long ‑chain fatty acid oxidation disorders: a profile of its use
A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-021-00833-2 (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - April 21, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Prescribers ’ knowledge of drug costs: a contemporary Irish study
ConclusionsPrescribers ’ knowledge of drug costs in Ireland remains poor and may negatively affect patient outcomes and national drug budgets. A national program provides recommendations to improve cost-effective prescribing; however, further alterations to national prescribing practices and policies are required to rai se awareness of drug costs and these recommendations. (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - April 15, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Frequency of and risk factors for beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli Isolates in hospitalized patients
ConclusionA high rate of MBL- and ESBL-producingE. coli in this study, and the presence of antibiotic resistance to carbapenems, may be an alarming sign of an increased rate of MDR in the near future. These results can be traced back to a variety of inappropriate and unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for outpatients and inpatients. Further related studies are strongly recommended. (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - March 31, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

The benefits of a unit dose system in oral antibiotics  dispensing: Azorean hospital pharmacists tackling the socioeconomic problem of leftovers in Portugal
ConclusionThe present study provides insights into how a unit dose dispensing system can contribute to solving the socioeconomic problems raised by leftovers of oral antibiotics dispensing practices occurring in healthcare systems such as the Portuguese one. (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - March 22, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Triheptanoin in the management of long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders: a profile of its use
AbstractTriheptanoin (DOJOLVI ™), a synthetic medium odd-chain (C7) triglyceride, is an effective and generally well tolerated source of calories and fatty acids for the treatment of paediatric and adult patients with molecularly-confirmed long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders (LC-FAODs). The beneficial effects of trihepta noin are assumed to be linked to the anaplerotic properties of triheptanoin, which set it apart from the standard medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. In a pivotal, randomized, phase 2 trial comparing triheptanoin to trioctanoin in patients with nonsevere LC-FAODs and normal cardiovascular functio...
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - March 20, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Sterility testing using a closed system transfer device in oncology medication compounding: a novel method for testing partially used vials
ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that under our local compounding procedure using CSTD we were able to maintain vial sterility when stored under typical conditions and accessed several times for up to 14 days. This method may be considered to assess a facility ’s local compounding procedures and provide valuable information regarding storage and utilization of partial vials, which may result in reduced waste and cost avoidance for the health care system. (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - March 19, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Platelet reactivity in patients with coronary artery disease on treatment with ivabradine and clopidogrel: The PLATIVA study
ConclusionIvabradine did not alter antiplatelet response to clopidogrel in patients treated concomitantly with both drugs. (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - March 17, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Fabrics can greatly improve or exacerbate atopic dermatitis
AbstractThe effect of fabrics on common atopic dermatitis (AD) is significant, but studies are sparse. Current evidence suggests ubiquitous cotton and silk do not exacerbate AD; like superfine wool, they may improve it. Coarse and/or occlusive fabrics like wool, nylon, acetate and most polyesters are not recommended. Newer manufactured options like lyocell and antimicrobial silver-impregnated textiles are promising. All these fabrics need further study in AD. (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - March 12, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Impact of pharmacist driven medication reconciliation in psychiatric emergency services on length of stay, medication errors, and medication discrepancies
ConclusionMR in a psychiatric population either prior to admission or within 24 h of admission did not reduce inpatient length of stay, however  it significantly reduced medication errors and discrepancies at discharge. (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - March 12, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research

Isotretinoin is key in treating acne vulgaris
AbstractAcne vulgaris affects more than 80% of teenagers, sometimes persisting into adulthood. It may cause physical scarring as well as depression and anxiety. Isotretinoin is the most effective treatment for severe acne. However, it is teratogenic and pregnancy must be prevented. Causal links with other reported adverse events, such as depression, are not established, despite extensive investigations. Monitoring of depressed patients ’ mental state, rather than withholding isotretinoin, is the recommended approach. (Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives)
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - March 11, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research