InstyMeds’ Post

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs aren’t foolproof, but why is it still crucial to check them? If you ask me about issues I’ve encountered with PDMPs, here’s a few: → Missing records from other states → Missing records due to name changes → (Leave a comment with interesting PDMP records you’ve seen) Despite these imperfections, PDMPs significantly speed up my clinical evaluation process and here’s why: 1. If a patient is opioid tolerant, I can focus on dose adjustments with that in mind, and vice versa. 2. If there are any red flags in the record, I can connect the patient with the appropriate specialists when substance use is confirmed. 3. If the PDMP data and urine drug screen results don’t align, I can be more thorough in my chart review to identify and resolve any discrepancies. ——————— 💊Daily Pain Dose: The challenge with interpreting PDMPs lies in the need for practice. Most PDMPs won’t have issues, and when they do, the problems might not be obvious. So how do we bridge this gap? #PainManagement #Opioids #OUD #OpioidStewardship

Drug shortages in the United States are an ongoing challenge that affects patients' health and well-being. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to support your patients during these times. Here are some ways to help mitigate the impact of medication shortages. #pharmacy #pharmacist #drugshortage #prescription #patientcare #singlecare

New in our QTdrugs Blog Series: "Two medications are contraindicated for use together. Who says?" A recent study highlights the complexities and risks of prescribing fluconazole and itraconazole, with significant discrepancies between commercial medical databases. Discover the importance of reliable sources, such as FDA-approved drug labels and AZCERT's MedSafetyScan®, in ensuring safe prescribing practices. Read the full article for a deeper understanding of medication safety and informed decision-making: https://bit.ly/41NvNZJ #QTdrugs #MedicationSafety #CredibleMeds

and here comes the role of PV

Be very aware of 340B TPA’s that are advertising and pushing Covered Entities self funded plans to use their PBM services! The drug middlemen that promise to control costs have instead steered patients toward higher-priced medicines and affiliated pharmacies. How does PBM’s make money: PBMs make money by artificially inflating drug prices, capturing portions of the discounts they negotiate for insurers and pocketing the difference between what insurers pay and pharmacies receive. Findings from the House Oversight investigation add to criticism that pharmacy-benefit managers are driving up drug spending. https://lnkd.in/eGKqwCBD

The FDA has warned about compounded #GLP1s, again. This one is a bit different from last time, so it is worth a read and a share to make sure this information gets out there! Pharmacist compounding of medications is a safe practice that is vital. However, when compounding is done in mass, for opportunist reasons, unintended consequences seem to happen more often. Patients are not getting these compounds from trusted providers or their local pharmacies, so education is lacking. 💉 Patients lack experience with self-injections. 💉 Patients are using the wrong syringes leading to overdoses. 💉 Instructions are not being given in patient friendly terms. In addition, providers are making medical errors in their dosing leading to much higher than maximum doses. These are all less common when using the FDA approved devices that come with these agents when the non-compounded agents are being used. Patients are being hospitalized because of these errors. It is vital to share these warnings and ensure those discussing compounded GLPs are aware of these safety risks. https://lnkd.in/gqZsBTJH #Pharmacists #Pharmacybenefits #MedicationSafety #GLP1 #Compounds

Understanding DSCSA is crucial for prescription drug safety! This regulation ensures that certain medications are only used under a practitioner’s guidance. Let TrackTraceIT help you stay compliant and protect patient health. #DSCSA #PrescriptionDrugs #PharmaceuticalCompliance #DrugSafety #HealthcareRegulations #TrackTraceIT #SupplyChainSecurity #PatientSafety #HealthcareIndustry #PharmacyManagement #MedicationSafety #DrugTracking #ComplianceSolutions #RegulatoryCompliance #HealthcareInnovation #MedicalCompliance #PharmaSupplyChain #SafetyFirst #HealthcareTechnology #IndustryStandards

On the upside(?), I'm quoted. Thanks, Kate Knibbs. On the downside, there's a plenty of downside here to discuss. I'll make only this point: The inability to track dispensing of compounded meds – which could possibly help prevent a patient (or a wily reporter) getting four scripts for the same drug at the same time – is a feature of a cash-based system. Compounded drugs are largely not covered by insurance, and it is that insurance claims system that allows for the tracking, not some federal mandate. If you went to your local pharmacy and paid cash for your FDA-approved drug, it would not be tracked either (unless it is a controlled substance, of course). Anyway, read the piece. Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding

This one slide says it all! The advantages of microneedles: - Better stability - Eliminate cold chain need - Eliminate need for healthcare providers in each administration - Possible to have multiple drugs/vaccine on one patch - Pain-free patient compliance - Sustained release PDA - Parenteral Drug Association

🔍 For 2024, the coverage gap starts when the total prescription drug costs (what you and your plan pay) reach $4,660. In the coverage gap, you are responsible for 25% of the cost for both brand-name and generic drugs. This cost-sharing arrangement continues until you reach the out-of-pocket spending threshold, which is $8,000 in 2024. 💊💰 💪 Stay in the know and plan ahead! Schedule an appointment with Pam to explore your options and squeeze the most out of your prescription drug coverage. 🏥💊 https://lnkd.in/dCTJcUcd #Medicare #PartD #DonutHole #PrescriptionDrugs #Healthcare #CoverageGap #StayInformed #NotAsTastyAsRealDonuts