By Jamie Tharp, Pharm.D., pharmacy manager, University of Michigan HomeMed   Rising healthcare costs are triggering insurance companies to consider cost savings opportunities. One targeted area of cost containment is drug expenditures for high dollar specialty infusions. Analyses have shown infusion center therapy administration is 50 percent to 60 percent more costly than the home setting...

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By Lindsey Ghiringhelli, Pharm.D., BCGP, consultant pharmacist, Pharmerica   Medication regimen reviews following a fall are commonly requested for residents of nursing facilities. About half of all residents in nursing homes fall every year, but increasingly, falls are also the reason for their admission.1 According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of five falls leads to a major...

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By Cynthia Peitzsch, R.Ph., consultant pharmacist The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in August 2016 new labeling that warns against the concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines. The widespread use of this combination, and the resulting increase in the number and severity of overdoses has prompted the addition of a black box warning. Previous warnings have included the use of ot...

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By Linda Branoff, C.Ph.T.   Have you been feeling depressed, tired and achy lately? Do you have bone pain and muscle weakness? Are you getting a lot of infections? These signs may indicate you should get your vitamin D level checked. Recent research has shown that a low level of vitamin D has been associated with several health issues. Even without symptoms, you could be at risk. &nbs...

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I started in the pharmacy technician practice after going away to college for a year. I moved back home and was looking for a job while I finished going to school. I answered a job posting for cashier at a pharmacy. Shortly after starting I was promoted to manager with keys and alarm code. I then started helping out in the pharmacy and was given the technician training manual by a pharmacist I wor...

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