We’ve all heard the statistic: Approximately 90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a pharmacy. That fact backs up the important argument that pharmacists are the most accessible health care provider and should therefore receive patient care authorities that would benefit all stakeholders.

Rachel Balick

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) received the following reports of injection and wrong-route errors that will likely happen again unless risk reduction strategies are implemented.

Institute for Safe Medication Practices

New and relatively low-priced at-home COVID-19 tests are now available at local pharmacies and can also be shipped directly to a patient’s home.

Clarissa Chan, PharmD

The potential cardiac effects of lamotrigine were added to its label late last year, and in March 2021, FDA released a drug safety communication highlighting the increased risk of arrhythmias in patients with heart disease who use lamotrigine.

Maria G. Tanzi, PharmD

The shift to quality-based incentives continues to emerge in pharmacy. The Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) is currently working to develop pharmacy measures for A1C and blood pressure reporting; adherence to medications for hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes treatment; and antidepressant medication management.

Loren Bonner