CDPH Warns Californians About the Dangers of Xylazine In response to the increase of xylazine in the illegal drug supply in the U.S., the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a letter to healthcare facilities and providers outlining the risks and warning signs of exposure, as well as patient care recommendations. Click HERE for the full article link. On April 12, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration designated fentanyl adulterated or associated with xylazine as an emerging threat to the U.S. Xylazine is an FDA approved veterinary sedative but is not approved for use in humans. Xylazine can be found ... December 18, 2023 Drug Prescribing/Dispensing, Public Health 0 0 Comment Read More »
HEALTH UPDATE: Resource for patients seeking continued opioid or benzodiazepine therapy HEALTH UPDATE from the Santa Clara Public Health Department, September 15, 2023 To: All Healthcare Providers From: Sarah Rudman, MD, MPH Deputy Public Health Officer And Akanksha Vaidya, MD, MPH Assistant Public Health Officer The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department recently learned of a large number of patients prescribed long-term opioid or benzodiazepine therapy who have lost access to their usual prescriber or are likely to lose access in the near future. When a patient treated with opioids or benzodiazepines suddenly loses access to prescribed medication, they are at risk of severe withdrawal and may seek illicit ... September 15, 2023 Drug Prescribing/Dispensing, General, Healthcare, Patient Care, Public Health Benzodiazepine, Opioid 0 0 Comment Read More »
Medical Board of CA: Guidelines for Controlled Substances for Pain (July 2023) Shared Friday, July 21 | Medical Board of California The Board's Guidelines for Controlled Substances for Pain (July 2023) is now online. The Board recognizes the need to ensure patients have access to safe and effective pain management treatment and, at the same time, also recognizes the need to support physicians providing treatment to this patient population. Consequently, the guidelines were updated to provide a framework for clinician use while also encouraging the development of treatment plans customized for their patients. Link July 24, 2023 Drug Prescribing/Dispensing, General, Healthcare, Patient Care, Public Health Medical Board 0 0 Comment Read More »
HEALTH ADVISORY: BENZATHINE PENICILLIN G SHORTAGE (P2) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a shortage of long-acting penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension products (Bicillin L-A), with an estimated recovery not before spring of 2024. Per the FDA, this drug shortage is due to an increased demand for the drug. Given the high rates of syphilis in California and in Santa Clara County, this is of significant concern. Bicillin L-A remains the only acceptable treatment for pregnant people infected with or exposed to syphilis and should be prioritized for this population to prevent the harmful effects of congenital syphilis, including premature birth, ... July 10, 2023 Drug Prescribing/Dispensing, EHR, General, Healthcare, Patient Care, Public Health Penicillin shortage 0 0 Comment Read More »
Medication Management: Save Time by Simplifying Your Prescribing and Refill Process Introduction Chronic conditions that require long-term medication therapy affect more than 133 million Americans.1 More than half of all Americans take four prescription medications each day and get their prescriptions from several health care providers.2 75% of patients also regularly take at least one over-the-counter (OTC) medication.2 Managing the care of patients who take multiple medications creates a conundrum for the already overburdened clinician: During a brief visit, how do you reconcile all medications, ensure that patients are taking them as prescribed, and fill or refill medications efficiently? This module details STEPS you ... June 6, 2023 Drug Prescribing/Dispensing, General, Healthcare, Patient Care AMA Steps Forward, improved patient care, improving medication adherence, saving time and money 0 0 Comment Read More »
