Safety of Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy.

Approximately 90% of pregnant women use medications while they are pregnant including both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. Some medications can pose a threat to the pregnant woman and fetus with 10% of all birth defects directly linked to medications taken during pregnancy. Many medications have documented safety for use during pregnancy, but research is limited due to ethical concerns of exposing the fetus to potential risks. Much of the information gleaned about safety in pregnancy is collected from registries, case studies and reports, animal studies, and outcomes management of pregnant women. Common OTC categories of readily accessible medications include antipyretics, analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, nasal topicals, antihistamines, decongestants, expectorants, antacids, antidiarrheal, and topical dermatological medications. We review the safety categories for medications related to pregnancy and provide an overview of OTC medications a pregnant woman may consider for management of common conditions.

Type 2 Diabetes Medication Review.

BACKGROUND: Patients with type 2 diabetes and their healthcare providers have a variety of medication options available for treating elevated blood glucose values. These medication choices have expanded drastically over the last 10 years with a large number of glucose lowering medications gaining FDA approval. METHODS: Here, we have included an extensive search of the type 2 diabetes literature focusing on articles which impact patient-oriented evidence that maters (POEMs). RESULTS: Choosing the best agent(s) can be challenging and requires weighing the risks and benefits of each particular medication. Tailoring medications to individual patients should be prioritized based on trials with cardiovascular outcome data, potential hemoglobin A1c reduction/goal, serious medication precautions and side-effects, co-morbid medical conditions, and cost. CONCLUSIONS: This paper will provide the reader with an overview of the pros and cons for each antiglycemic medication class and specific drugs where appropriate. Data relevant to most patient centered encounters will be provided, including safety, tolerability, efficacy, cost, and simplicity of use.

Elective course on medication therapy management services.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of active-learning strategies in a medication therapy management (MTM) elective on pharmacy students' preparedness to participate in real-life MTM counseling sessions. DESIGN: The elective included active-learning assignments such as patient cases, group discussions, role playing, and use of actual patients to prepare students for MTM services. ASSESSMENT: A survey was administered before (week 11) and after (week 15) completing a face-to-face comprehensive medication review (CMR) to evaluate achievement of course objectives and students' preparedness to participate in MTM. In the pre-CMR survey, 66.7% of the students strongly agreed that the course prepared them to provide MTM services. In the post-CMR survey, 88.9% of the students strongly agreed (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: The active-learning strategies used in the MTM elective course provided students with the skills necessary to participate in MTM counseling sessions. Face-to-face CMRs better prepared pharmacy students to provide MTM services.