RESUMO
Vaccination efforts against COVID-19 must include the pediatric population, not only to protect children and their families from the virus, but also to support a safe return to in-person schooling. Given the novel methodologies and targets used in the COVID-19 vaccines and the potential for multisystem inflammatory syndrome-children, it is insufficient to extrapolate safety and efficacy data between different vaccine candidates or from adult studies. Adequate enrollment in pediatric studies for COVID-19 vaccines is crucial. The Pediatric Pharmacy Association supports continued research, surveillance, and transparency for COVID-19 vaccines in the pediatric population, including those younger than 12 years of age.
RESUMO
The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that continues to impact healthcare in the United States of America (USA). While changes in opioid prescribing have curbed the medical use of opioids, the increase in nonmedical use, largely driven by injection drug use (IDU), has contributed to the escalating incidence of opioid use disorder (OUD). Furthermore, IDU is associated with high-risk injection practices that can increase the risk of acquiring viral and bacterial infections. Here in this comprehensive review, we aimed to summarize the epidemiology and management of OUD, along with the screening and antimicrobial treatment of associated infections, specifically focused on human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, skin and soft tissue infections, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis. Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) and infection guidelines from the USA will be presented.
RESUMO
Nonelderly disabled Medicare beneficiaries have a higher prevalence of chronic conditions, higher utilization of prescription medications, and increased demand for clinical services when compared to beneficiaries 65 years of age and older who are not disabled. Out-of-pocket costs and medication-related problems are major barriers to medication compliance and achievement of therapeutic goals. A school of pharmacy partnered with a nonprofit organization that provides care to individuals with developmental disabilities. The present study highlights outcomes resulting from (a) providing Medicare Part D plan optimization services to lower prescription drug costs and (b) Medication Therapy Management services to evaluate safe and effective medication use in this beneficiary population. Provided interventions were shown to reduce overall medication costs and identify significant medication-related problems.