Safety and Efficacy of Ceftaroline Fosamil in the Management of Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia

Ceftaroline fosamil is a new fifth-generation cephalosporin indicated for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). It possesses antimicrobial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), but not against anaerobes. Organisms covered by this novel agent that are commonly associated with CABP are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae; however, ceftaroline fosamil lacks antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species. FOCUS 1 and FOCUS 2 clinical trials evaluated the use of ceftaroline fosamil in the treatment of CABP as compared to ceftriaxone. These non-inferiority trials provided evidence that ceftaroline fosamil is as effective and safe as ceftriaxone in the treatment of CABP. As its role in the treatment has not been well established, ceftaroline fosamil should be reserved for patients at high risk for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). This review summarizes ceftaroline fosamil\u27s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile, clinical efficacy and safety, and place in therapy for the treatment and management of CABP

Pramlintide in the Management of Obesity

Obesity is a common problem that can lead to numerous comorbid conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. Currently, there are few pharmacologic options available to help obese patients lose weight. Pramlintide is an injectable, amylin analogue that is indicated in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes for use in conjunction with insulin to improve glycemic control. In addition to helping patients decrease hemoglobin A1c levels, pramlintide has also been shown to minimize weight gain, especially in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Studies have been conducted in various patient types, including those patients without diabetes, and the drug tends to have a positive effect on weight loss. It appears that the drug is well tolerated in patients without diabetes; however, current studies have been conducted in small patient populations. Additional research needs to be carried out to determine if the drug is a viable option for obese patients who have failed to respond to other weight loss products

A Review of Health-related Outcomes from Community Pharmacist Interventions in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Currently, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the world and is predicted to be the third leading cause by the year 2020. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the expanding role of community pharmacists in the detection and management of patients with COPD. Pharmacists in the community setting can improve outcomes in patients with COPD by minimizing risk factors through smoking cessation interventions, prevention of disease by evaluating immunization history and early detection by providing spirometry. In addition, these pharmacists are well‐positioned for initiating medication therapy management (MTM) services, reducing noncompliance by counseling on proper medication use to ensure adherence and correct inhalation technique, as well as participating in transition of care. There is evidence that pharmacists can support other health care professionals with appropriate treatment recommendations, reducing overall direct and indirect health care costs. In summary, medications are an important tool in managing COPD, with adherence being critically important for these patients, and community pharmacists are an accessible health care professional able to perform needed medication and wellness related interventions that can improve patient outcomes