February 14, 2020
More than 14 million Americans age 75 years and older face a dilemma. They are at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). On the other hand, older adults are more susceptible to adverse effects associated with statins. Many adults, often in their 60s or early 70s, decide to initiate statin therapy for the primary prevention of ASCVD. However, at some point in a patient’s life, the potential benefits may no longer be so clear … or the risks and costs increase. Unfortunately, there is little information on the potential consequences of stopping statin in patients who are tolerating statins.
Guest Authors: Maricar Conson, PharmD and W. Cheng Yuet, PharmD, BCACP
Music by Good Talk
April 13, 2019
The D-PRESCRIBE study provides compelling evidence that a focused, systematic medication review conducted by community-based pharmacists coupled with patient education and written recommendations to prescribers results in a significant reduction in the use of potentially inappropriate medications. In this episode, Christine Dimaculangan reviews the methods and results of the D-PRESCRIBE study and our expert panelists discuss its implications and implementation.
Guests: Christine Dimaculangan, PharmD.; Nicole Brandt, PharmD, MBA, BCPP, BCGP; and Emily Prohaska, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP
Music by Good Talk
April 12, 2019
Intensive blood pressure (BP) control reduces the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality, but the verdict isn't in yet on the benefits of intensive control to prevent the development of dementia. Previous studies have shown an inconsistent relationship between blood pressure control and cognitive decline. SPRINT-MIND, using data from SPRINT, was designed to evaluate the effects of intensive BP control on cognitive outcomes including probable dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
Guest Authors: Michelle Balli, PharmD, BCACP and Amy Robertson, PharmD, BCACP
Music by Good Talk
January 18, 2019
Older adults are often tormented by insomnia, pain, and other comorbidities that impact their quality of life. Medication therapy is often sought to treat and manage these diseases, but healthcare providers often overlook the risks of prescribing medications to patients who are older, frail, and at high risk for falls. Trazodone is increasingly prescribed for insomnia instead of benzodiazepines presumably because it is considered to be safer and it does not appear on either the Beers or STOP/START lists. But is trazodone really safer for patients than benzodiazepines?
Guest Authors: Anthony M. Todd, PharmD and Nicole A Slater, PharmD, BCACP
Music by Good Talk
December 15, 2017
We interview Eric MacLaughlin, Joseph Saseen, and Kristin Rieser about the ACC/AHA Guidelines for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Adults released in November 2017. Dr. MacLaughin, a member of the Guideline Writing Committee, gives a insiders view of the guidelines development process and explains the rationale for lower blood pressure goals. Drs. Saseen and Rieser talk about some of the practical considerations that we all must consider as we move forward to making these recommendations a reality.
Guests: Kristin Rieser, Pharm.D., Joseph Saseen, Pharm.D, and Eric MacLaughlin, Pharm.D.
Music by Good Talk
March 30, 2015
Demonstration projects are underway as part of the ACA’s Independence at Home (IAH) program. The goal — reduce costs.
