Latest Trends in the Heroin Epidemic and the Responsibility of the Pharmacist in Controlling Heroin Abuse

Over the last few years, there has been an exponential increase in morbidity and mortality associated with heroin abuse. The current rise in heroin abuse and overdose is attributed to widespread use and abuse of prescription opioids, which can produce significant euphoric effects in humans. In fact, reports suggest that heroin abusers initially become addicted to prescription opioids but subsequently switch to heroin because it is cheaper and more easily available than prescription opioids. Over the years, the purity of heroin available for illicit use has been on the decline. Smugglers and heroin vendors have started mixing heroin with other clandestinely prepared, potent, analgesic opioids such as fentanyl. Fentanyl is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin, and the combination can be quite lethal to abusers due to the increased potency and effects on the body\u27s respiratory centers which may result in death. This review will mainly focus on some of the recent trends in heroin abuse and recent changes in laws with respect to dispensing and possession of naloxone, an effective antidote against heroin overdose. Finally, the role of the pharmacist in countering the current heroin epidemic by recognizing at-risk populations and providing the proper resources to addicts to prevent further heroin/opioid-related overdose fatalities will be discussed

The Role of a Home Health Care Pharmacist-Medication Management for Patients with Feeding Tubes

Home health care is a method of medical care that patients receive inside their home under the supervision of a collaborative team of physicians, nurses, pharmacists and sometimes other health care professionals. Home health provides patients with the same standard of care that they would be receiving in a nursing home or hospital. However, the treatment and continued monitoring at home reduces health care costs and makes the patient feel more comfortable. Pharmacists analyze, resolve and prevent medication-related problems in home health care in order to minimize hospitalizations and improve patient quality of life. Pharmacist involvement with other health care professionals in the patient transition of care can help maximize the quality of patient care. To become a home health care pharmacist, neither a residency nor certification is required. Home health pharmacists perform medication reconciliation, comprehensive medication reviews, monitor intravenous drug therapy and enteral therapy, identify high-risk medications and adverse drug reactions, prevent polypharmacy and improve patient adherence. Patients that must be fed through enteral nutrition tubes in the home health care setting have a set of special concerns that the home health care team must address. Pharmacists\u27 extensive knowledge of medication necessitates their involvement on the home health care team

Changing Roles in Leadership for Today\u27s Pharmacist - A Look Into the New ACPE Draft Leadership Standards

With the advancement of the profession of pharmacy, the demand for pharmacist leadership continues to rise. In order for pharmacists to acquire the necessary leadership skills for the profession, there is a call for colleges of pharmacy to incorporate leadership development into their academic programs. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) has released the new 2016 Standards and Guidance Documents for institutions to follow in order for their pharmacy students to graduate with leadership skills

Legislation Across the Nation and the Impact on Pharmacy Practice

Pharmacy legislation is constantly being updated, giving pharmacists a larger role in the health care field. In the past 20 years, pharmacists have seen expansions to legislation involving contraceptive authority, medical marijuana, vaccines and provider status. There is a greater pharmacist impact from legislation passed on the state level in comparison to the national level. As a result, pharmacists have different opportunities to provide new and advanced services to patients based on the state in which they are practicing. Comparing these various laws across the nation allows the profession to determine which sections of the law are problematic and which sections are important to help advance the profession. This information can then be used to shape new and improved laws in other states and extend these services to benefit more patients across the country